Paper 1: Evolving Software Architectures from Monolithic Systems to Resilient Microservices: Best Practices, Challenges and Future Trends
Abstract: Microservice architecture has emerged as a widely adopted methodology in software development, addressing the inherent limitations of traditional monolithic and Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA). This paper examines the evolution of microservices, emphasising their advantages in enhancing flexibility, scalability, and fault tolerance compared to legacy models. Through detailed case studies, it explores how leading companies, such as Netflix and Amazon, have leveraged microservices to optimise resource utilisation and operational adaptability. The study also addresses significant implementation challenges, including ensuring data consistency and managing APIs. Best practices, such as Domain-Driven Design (DDD) and the Saga Pattern, are evaluated with examples from Uber's cross-functional teams and Airbnb's transaction management. This research synthesises these findings into actionable guidelines for organisations transitioning from monolithic architectures, proposing a phased migration approach to mitigate risks and improve operational agility. Furthermore, the paper explores future trends, such as Kubernetes and AIOps, offering insights into the evolving microservices landscape and their potential to improve system scalability and resilience. The scientific contribution of this article lies in the development of practical best practices, providing a structured strategy for organisations seeking to modernise their IT infrastructure.
Keywords: Service-Orientated Architecture; SOA; microservices; monolithic architecture; migration