Serverless computing with STACKIT: More freedom for your applications
Serverless architectures are changing the way applications are developed and operated in the cloud. Instead of managing infrastructure at great expense, companies are concentrating on the actual code – the application itself. This is particularly true for dynamic web applications with a high volume of users.
The result: more agility, lower costs, automated scaling and a clear focus on the essentials – which significantly accelerates the development of new applications. Serverless architectures are therefore a logical component of modern cloud strategies and promote the flexible use of resources.
STACKIT offers a modern, European platform for serverless computing – GDPR-compliant, highly available and fully integrated into the STACKIT ecosystem. Whether simple event handlers or complex microservices: Your applications are executed automatically, scaled according to demand and provided as a fully managed service – without any server management. Read on to find out more about serverless computing.
Glossary: Important terms relating to serverless computing and STACKIT
- API/ APIs: Programming interfaces via which different systems communicate with each other. Serverless functions can respond to APIs or provide APIs themselves.
- Application: A digital solution that is provided in the cloud and used by users – often with a modular structure.
- BaaS (Backend as a Service): In addition to FaaS, providers make ready-made backend services such as databases, authentication or storage available, such as databases, messaging or storage as Backend as a Service (BaaS).
- Code: The actual programming content of a function or application. With serverless, only the code is written – the provider takes care of the infrastructure.
- Data: Data refers to structured or unstructured information that is processed, stored or transferred by applications.
- Engine: Engine is a core component of a platform that enables the execution of functions – such as a runtime engine.
- FaaS (Function as a Service): FaaS is a component of serverless computing. Developers upload individual functions that are triggered by events – for example HTTP requests or events from another system. The STACKIT platform uses FaaS to execute functions on demand.
- Function: A code snippet with clearly defined input and output that is executed independently in the serverless model.
- Hub: A central point in the cloud architecture through which various services and functions are connected.
- Infrastructure: The underlying technical basis on which software is operated – such as servers, network or storage. In the serverless model, this infrastructure remains invisible to users.
- Microservices: Small, independent services within an application that can be provided and scaled individually – ideal for serverless architectures.
- Service: A service is a digital service within a platform – such as a database, storage or security function. Cloud services are also included.
- Serverless architecture: An operating model in the cloud in which applications are provided without direct access to server infrastructure. The code is executed on demand, scales independently and does not require traditional hosting.
- Storage: Storage services for applications and data – e.g. for storing log files, files or event data.
Serverless computing with STACKIT
Serverless computing impresses with its efficiency, automation and flexibility – especially in the cloud. However, it is only with a trustworthy platform such as STACKIT that this model unfolds its full strength – especially for companies that rely on security, sovereignty and reliability.
STACKIT Functions is the serverless service from STACKIT and offers everything that modern software development needs today – without you having to worry about servers, infrastructure or scaling. Your applications are executed without intervention, scaled as required and only billed according to actual consumption. This not only reduces costs, but also the operational effort.
The origin of the provider is particularly important for companies in the European market. STACKIT operates all services – including serverless functions – exclusively in data centers in Germany and Austria. The platform is ISO/IEC 27001-certified, GDPR-compliant and independent of non-European providers. Your data and workloads remain under your control – a significant advantage in sensitive industries such as finance, healthcare or public administration.
Some of the key benefits of serverless computing at a glance:
No server management
you don’t have to set up or patch any infrastructure.
Automatic scaling
functions adapt automatically to the load behavior.
Fast deployment
code can be uploaded directly and triggered immediately.
Integrated security
Network isolation, access protection and logging are included as standard and can be controlled via role-based management.
Easy integration
Existing applications, APIs and tools can be seamlessly integrated.
STACKIT Serverless Computing is seamlessly connected to other STACKIT services. These services include object storage, monitoring, logging and the STACKIT Service Hub. The result is a flexible, modular platform that is specially designed to meet the requirements of European companies, authorities and developers.
Serverless computing – what’s behind it?
Serverless computing is a modern architecture model within the cloud in which applications are provided without active infrastructure management. Local hardware is also not required. Developers create their code, define events and the cloud provider takes care of provisioning, execution, scaling and management independently.
The basic principle: the code is only executed when it is really needed – for example, when an HTTP call is made, data is changed or a time-controlled event occurs. Unlike traditional servers, no virtual machines need to be permanently operated, configured or monitored. Costs are only incurred when they are actually used.
Key features of serverless architectures
Find out what characterizes serverless architectures:
- Event-driven execution: Applications are started by defined triggers – such as database events, API calls or cronjobs.
- Automatic scaling: Depending on the load, several instances of a function are provided in parallel without the need for manual adjustment.
- Short start times: Functions are ready within milliseconds – ideal for reactive, time-critical software.
- Fine-grained billing: The runtime is measured to the second and billing is based on consumption.
- Minimal operational responsibility: developers and teams take care of the logic, not the hardware, network or runtime environment.
This model is particularly suitable for dynamic applications in the cloud, APIs, microservices and automated data processing. It also unfolds its full effect in conjunction with container environments, storage services or backend systems.
Serverless computing offers clear advantages wherever high flexibility and short release cycles are required – especially in cloud systems with changing loads. Simple web forms or portals also benefit from the automated execution of individual functions.
Tips and advice for successful implementation
Serverless working opens up many new possibilities – at the same time, it is important to observe certain basic principles in order to make the cloud architecture efficient and stable. Especially in a professional environment such as the STACKIT Cloud, applications should be specifically designed and implemented in a resource-saving manner.
- Keep functions modular: Functions should be clearly delineated and fulfill exactly one task – such as processing an API request, saving data in a storage system or sending messages. This principle follows the logic of microservices and increases the maintainability and reusability of the code.
- Pay attention to start times and dependencies: Serverless applications are started up when required – so-called “cold starts” can extend the execution time. Therefore, reduce external dependencies and keep functions as lean as possible. The separation of logic and data access is particularly recommended for data-intensive processes. Use integrated services and tools to only call external APIs when it is really necessary.
- Activate logging and monitoring: As with any cloud, transparency is essential. End-to-end monitoring and centralized management support operational stability. Activate log output and monitoring to keep an eye on performance, resource usage and error rates. This also provides important information for scaling.
- Know your limits – and use them: Functions are not ideal for every workload. Longer data processing, complex workloads or long-running applications can be outsourced to classic container or VM scenarios. Software can be specifically expanded by connecting additional services within the platform or cloud system.
- Use API gateways and events in a targeted manner: Functions can be called securely and in a structured manner via an upstream API gateway – for example via REST or webhook. Events from other systems can also trigger a function automatically – whether time-controlled, via a file upload or a new backend event. The advantage of automated functions is particularly evident in dynamic cloud workloads – for example in the case of unpredictable access patterns.
Running serverless applications efficiently – with STACKIT
Serverless computing is a decisive step in modern cloud strategies. It enables the development and provision of software without teams having to deal with servers, infrastructure or management effort. Physical hardware is therefore irrelevant – everything takes place in the cloud.
STACKIT offers a European, secure and powerful foundation that meets the highest standards – with data centers in Germany and Austria, strict data protection compliance, ISO certification and clear control over all resources. In addition, companies can create their own applications or combine them with existing partner solutions that are operated serverless. The interaction with other STACKIT services ensures a high-performance environment.
Whether for event processing, API backends, microservices, data-driven software or individual solutions for digital business models – serverless working creates advantages on both a technical and economic level. Certified STACKIT partners provide support with planning and implementation.
This gives companies more agility, less operating load and a high degree of future-proofing. The combination of technical flexibility and digital sovereignty makes STACKIT an ideal solution for serverless computing in the European cloud.
FAQ: Serverless computing with STACKIT
What does “serverless” mean – are there really no more servers?
Yes, servers still exist. The term “serverless” simply means that you as a user no longer have to worry about setting up, managing or scaling servers. The entire operation is carried out automatically by the platform. The system uses a highly available cloud infrastructure from Europe.
Which use cases are particularly suitable for serverless computing?
All applications that work on an event-based basis are ideal – such as web APIs, event processing, data imports, automation or microservices. Backend functions for mobile apps or web portals can also be implemented efficiently.
How are serverless applications billed?
Billing is based on usage – usually according to the duration of execution and resources used, such as memory or computing power. Expenses are only incurred when code is actually executed. This makes the solution particularly economical.
What about data protection and data security?
STACKIT operates all cloud services in German and Austrian data centers in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001. Data processing is fully GDPR-compliant. Access is protected by role models, network boundaries and encryption.
Can existing systems be combined with serverless components?
Serverless computing is ideal for supplementing existing systems – for example for additional functions, integration or the gradual replacement of monolithic architectures – or can be used specifically for new solutions. Classic and modern systems can be connected via APIs and events.
