Synthesizing Configuration Tactics for Exercising Hidden Options in Serverless Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces nine configuration tactics for serverless systems, aiming to improve accuracy, cost-efficiency, and reliability by exercising hidden and neglected options based on literature and practical experience.

Contribution

It presents a novel set of nine tactics specifically designed to uncover and utilize hidden configuration options in serverless systems, enhancing system performance.

Findings

Nine configuration tactics identified for serverless systems

Tactics help exercise hidden options to improve accuracy and cost-efficiency

Based on literature review and practical experience

Abstract

A proper configuration of an information system can ensure accuracy and efficiency, among other system objectives. Conversely, a poor configuration can have a significant negative impact on the system's performance, reliability, and cost. Serverless systems, which are comprised of many functions and managed services, especially risk exposure to misconfigurations, with many provider- and platform-specific, often intransparent and 'hidden' settings. In this paper, we argue to pay close attention to the configuration of serverless systems to exercise options with known accuracy, cost and time. Based on a literature study and long-term serverless systems development experience, we present nine tactics to unlock potentially neglected and unknown options in serverless systems.