Going Serverless in 2021

Going Serverless in 2021: CTECH’s Carl Fransen Weighs In Does your small business really need a file server? CTECH’s Carl Fransen weighs in, and explains why your small business may not need a server after all. Serverless computing is gaining momentum, and your business shouldn’t be left behind. It would help you to focus on […]

Going Serverless in 2021: CTECH’s Carl Fransen Weighs In

Does your small business really need a file server? CTECH’s Carl Fransen weighs in, and explains why your small business may not need a server after all. Serverless computing is gaining momentum, and your business shouldn’t be left behind. It would help you to focus on your core business without worrying about server-related problems.

What Is Serverless Computing?

There are many definitions of serverless computing, but most highlight the functions as a service (FaaS) and backend services (BaaS). You really don’t have to strain your mind on these concepts as the implication is that you won’t need servers.

Going serverless doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t need servers to run and execute your software. Here are the two main serverless approaches you will need to understand before adopting this technology for your small business:

  • Server-side logic and state applications: These applications feature a model of the mobile backend as a service, and use cloud-based authentication services, databases, cloud-hosted applications and services, and third-party applications. They are server-side, but your business can outsource those services to reliable managed IT service providers, such as CTECH, and get rid of servers.
  • Event-triggered applications: This is another version of serverless operations that requires stateless compute containers that run vent-triggered applications fully managed by third-parties. This is where the concept of Function as a Service (FaaS) applies since it’s responsible for the building of microservices applications. It also ensures you really don’t need servers, as any function will be triggered by events – it only launches when needed.

office that went serverless

Benefits of Serverless Computing

Recent research findings by Gartner suggest that more than 50% of multinationals will have gone serverless by 2025. This reports resonates with CTECH’s Carl Fransen assertion that you may not really need servers in your small business. So, why should you join the serverless bandwagon?

Benefits

Here are some benefits of going serverless:

  • Auto scaling: Outsourcing resource management gives you the flexibility to scale depending on the needs of your business, and you won’t have to incur any extra expenses. For example, if your business grows, you can upgrade to a higher tier of services to meet the new requirements, or downgrade when your IT needs reduce. It saves your small business the need to purchase expensive hardware and software, which may become redundant when business slows down.
  • Ease of management: Going serverless means all infrastructure-related responsibilities have been passed over to cloud service providers, leaving to concentrate on better management of your business. Certain services, such as server provisioning, can be quite hectic for small organizations.
  • Reduced latency: Backend as a Service ensures that virtual servers are distributed to different geographical regions, so end users can have their applications executed at a server near them. This reduces latency, and improves user experience. You wouldn’t have to wait for long to receive your services.
  • Speed and agility: Your teams can focus more on product development, and implementation, thanks to serverless technology. Going serverless ensures smaller implementation units and less provisioning, so you can dedicate most of your resources to implementing a better business idea.
  • Reduced costs: You will not need to rent server space, or purchase hardware and software, which Fransen says could be quite resource-draining in the long-run. Cloud providers would take the responsibility of maintaining such resources, but charge a flat fee for their services. This means your business would cut down on overheads, and increase its profit margins.

using a serverless computer

How Serverless Computing Works

But before you can ditch your servers, or cut their budget, you need to know how serverless systems work. Basically, serverless operations are functions applied according to the incoming demand. If there’s no demand, the systems become redundant. Consequently, cloud service providers, such as CTECH, offer Functions as a Service (FaaS) to fulfil the IT needs of their clients.

Steps

The serverless process follows these steps:

  • The developer writes a function: The function is the specific task within the application code that needs fulfillment. The function remains dormant until it is triggered by a specific event. This is when the cloud providers will know that their client needs their service.
  • Developer defines an event: To activate the function as a service request, a special event needs to be put in place so it can trigger the function into operation. The developer defines this event, such as a HTTPs request.
  • Guest triggers the event: If you need the service, you should trigger the particular event needed to trigger the function. For example, it could be clinking on a given HTTPs link, and the serverless process begins to roll.
  • Function executed by the cloud: When you trigger the event, the cloud service provider checks if another instance of the function is already running. If it’s already running, they won’t need to activate a new instance, but we execute the function immediately. This makes for faster service delivery, and efficiency.
  • Result is sent to the client: The result of the execution is then delivered to the client, who sees it inside the application they are using. You won’t need to have an onsite server if you can still get the service provided remotely. Purchasing and maintaining an onsite server can be quite expensive in the long run.

How CTECH Can Help

If serverless computing appears complex for you, don’t worry because CTECH is here for you. CTECH helps small businesses throughout Calgary through the following:

  • Highly responsive customer support team: You can reach CTECH at any time since they offer 24-hour support.
  • Use of the latest technology: CTECH leverages cloud computing to avail superb services to all clients. You can outsource your server-side services to CTECH, and go serverless.
  • Affordable managed IT services: You pay a flat fee every month, depending on your tier of services.

Conclusion

When it comes to going serverless, CTECH leaves by example. Carl Fransen puts it, we have no servers! You can trust us for all your IT services, and going serverless, since we know exactly what it means. Do you want to know how your business can operate without servers? Please contact us today for more details.