How serverless functions can benefit both clients and workers

For many businesses using cloud computing, there’s a tendency to look at its benefits in a compartmentalized manner. One of the most common drivers of cloud adoption is the ability to store more data and facilitate more customer activity when users flood an application.

However, you can realize a meaningful intersection between the agent experience and customer experience when utilizing serverless functions. The serverless architecture market exceeded US$7 billion in 2020 and could grow at a CAGR of 20% between 2021 and 2027. With that in mind, let’s discuss the numerous ways serverless functions benefit both clients and workers.

What are Serverless functions?

Serverless functions are programmatic elements of cloud computing made for one purpose and executed by the cloud service provider instead of the developers. While the technology is called “serverless,” it still relies on servers.

Nevertheless, developers don’t have to worry about adjusting capacity, setting up, configuring and maintaining hardware and operating environments, circumventing faults and more. Additionally, using a provider like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services doesn’t mean you’re going serverless.

You’ll most likely still interface with a dashboard to manage the operating systems on the virtual servers you rented and the web server software. The service provider takes care of this in a serverless setting.

How do serverless functions change the game for clients and workers?

Customization
Rather than overhauling an entire monolith to install a new one with custom features, you can encapsulate a custom feature within a serverless function. Additionally, this feature will only be called upon when an event that requires it is set in motion by a user.

Therefore, users won’t have to endure clunky applications that are very slow due to all the custom features loaded when starting. Instead, customizations are awakened and given resources like processing power and memory only when a user opens them.

Furthermore, serverless functions enable a language-agnostic approach to development. This makes it easier to customize applications, especially those built to run on different devices and operating systems. Developers can code in various languages and frameworks depending on their unique qualities.

Availability
Serverless functions offer impressive fault tolerance. When there’s an issue with a specific function, it is automatically detected and remedied. Consequently, the broader system remains functioning correctly, ensuring maximum reliability thanks to techniques like redundancy, replication and diversity.

Workers spend less time troubleshooting and testing solutions on the fly to see what works. Subsequently, they have more time to analyze user behavior and develop new ideas that improve the user experience. And as mentioned, clients can rest assured that a service will be available whenever they need it.

Cost-effectiveness
Another advantage of serverless functions is the option to utilize them on a pay-per-usage basis. So rather than paying for many resources upfront, you only pay for what you use. This model makes scaling much easier since you can unlock more resources on demand.

Workers won’t have to scramble to access more server space and processing power when they get a sudden spike in application users. Eventually, processes like the Know-Your-Customer step when onboarding users are performed much faster.

Users also benefit from reduced subscription prices since businesses don’t have to worry about covering the cost of provisioned resources that aren’t used.

Final takeaway
All-in-all, serverless functions free up time on the production side, reduce operational costs and speed up service delivery and problem-solving. However, it is crucial to scrutinize every provider’s offer.

Some still have hidden spin-up costs on cold functions, very short timeout settings in call patterns, difficulty in integrating due to vendor lock-in and more.

Wondering which serverless computing provider to go with?

Let the experts at ASB Resources help you align your transition to serverless functions with the right provider. Schedule a call with one of our experts today!