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How AWS Lambda functions and API Gateway aid modernization
Some organizations avoid modernization because of changes that need to be made to servers. But using AWS Lambda with API Gateway offers a way to modernize without the provisioning.
AWS Lambda and API Gateway are a powerful duo. One executes code as a set of functions without the need to manage or provision any underlying servers. The other is an API management console that enables integration between any two applications, no matter how different they are. Together, they enable some unique use cases, particularly for enterprises with monolithic legacy applications.
An enterprise may not want to modernize its entire application with the microservices model right away for fear the project may disrupt existing work or incur further technical debt. In these cases, there's great opportunity to use AWS Lambda functions to extend an enterprise application.
The upside of using Lambda and API Gateway
Typically, integration projects take multiple weeks or months and are hard to change. Lambda can complete integration in a matter of days, if not hours. Also, you can easily iterate and improve upon the implementation over time, since all it takes is a few changes to the AWS Lambda functions. You don't have to maintain servers, get additional buy-in from IT or worry about compatibility issues across the toolchain.
As enterprises face stiff competition from disruptive startups, they need to innovate at speed without affecting core applications and workflows. Rebuilding the entire application from the ground up may not be the best solution. AWS Lambda and API Gateway can provide the benefits of modernization without the burden of technical debt.
Enterprise use cases for AWS Lambda and API Gateway
You can run AWS Lambda functions to perform large batch data analysis jobs, execute image optimization in the cloud or integrate the monolithic app with a modern, cloud-native platform, like ServiceNow or Workday. You can even use Lambda to build custom applications.
API Gateway connects two applications and takes requests from the monolith. It then authorizes the request and passes it on to AWS Lambda, which executes the task. Once complete, Lambda sends a response back to the monolith via API Gateway, which again authorizes return of the data.
