New Post: Data Infrastructure Layers 2: Compute
This post is the second in a three-part series exploring the high-level design decisions you need to make for each stage in each use case category. The Compute layer is what does the work that the user manages in the Control stage.
The quick-read version:
Often the compute layer will be split between multiple options, with the Compute that directly supports the Control and Storage layers separate from the more intensive parts.
Local compute happens on the user's computer and is the simplest option, but limits you to what that one computer can handle.
Remote compute uses additional computers on a network. Two options - remote sessions or remote services - offer different ways of managing the additional complexity.
Software as a Service (SaaS) and Serverless architecture allow you to delegate some of the complexity to external services.
For Further Consideration
What software using remote compute do you, your team and your users rely on?
Which of these applications rely on remote sessions, and which are remote services?
How do these design decisions impact how usable they are? How would a different choice impact their effectiveness?
Further Reading
Serverless architecture and Platform as a Service (PaaS) are two trends that attempt to mitigate some of the complexity of moving from local compute to remote.
The first major serverless service was AWS Lambda. This TechCrunch article from 2015 shows how people thought about Serverless when it was band new.
Serverless Computting vs PaaS goes deeper into the differences between the two approaches and when you might prefer one over the other.
What is Serverless Architecture is a more technical deep dive on what a serverless application looks like and how to design/build one.
Up Next
My next post will complete the three-part design decision series with the Storage layer,
Followed by a post that attempts to demystify some aspects of data governance,
Then a series of case studies of exploring design options of specific use cases.
Data Infrastructure Layers 2: Compute
Good read, esp. the TechCrunch article. "One of the major advantages of using Serverless is reduced cost". Ironically, in the days of mainframe iron or PC, it was 'serverless' by default. Whatever was 'there' was used. The risks of being an early adapter of any technology are huge. One essential take when interfacing to the real world of research or manufacturing is a seamless transition. This includes convenience, security, reliability and other aspects the existing processes have