Microkernel-Based Web Architecture: Design & Implementation Considerations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a microkernel-based web architecture as a middle-ground solution to address challenges of microservice architectures, enhancing self-* properties and providing a flexible, modular design.

Contribution

It introduces a novel microkernel-based web architecture addressing microservice challenges and explores its potential for improved self-* properties and implementation considerations.

Findings

The architecture can mitigate microservice challenges.

Enhanced self-* properties demonstrated through design considerations.

Reflections on implementation aspects for practical deployment.

Abstract

In this vision paper I propose a middle-ground alternative between monolithic and microservice web architectures. After identifying the key challenges associated with microservice architectures, I revised the design of a microkernel-based web architecture, considering these challenges as well as recent architectural advancements. Next, I examined contemporary approaches to various self-* properties and explored how this new architecture could enhance them, including a modified version of the MAPE-K loop. Once the high-level design of the microkernel architecture was finalized, I evaluated its potential to address the identified challenges. Lastly, I reflected on several implementation aspects of the proposed work.