Material and Labor Isolation
Monolithic architecture is a single-layer structure that when combined with multiple layers of business logic, makes the entire system more complex. This complexity can lead to material and labor isolation; where components may need to remain separate in order to be properly maintained, but are intertwined in the same application. As a result, it can often be difficult to identify which areas require maintenance or expansion. This not only isolates labor as mentioned, but can lead to costly materials as well. Additionally, any changes made to one layer often require additional work, since other layers are connected too.
Security Implications
Monolithic architectures are typically single, large applications, often running on just one server. This can be vulnerable, as any security breach or misconfiguration will likely affect the entire system. Securing an application in a monolithic architecture is often challenging due to a lack of segmentation between different business logic and areas within the system. Moreover, since all components are interconnected, an external threat can easily access and breach sensitive sections of the code or data. With the rise of attackers and malicious actors, this lack of segmentation can create significant issues for any business or system.
Maintenance Issues
Given the complexity of monolithic architectures, coupled with the fact that everything is connected and intertwined, the potential for maintenance issues increases. When any problem occurs with the system, it can be very difficult and time consuming to identify the issue. Additionally, with the large codebase, debugging and finding the root of the issue can become costly. Every time any part of the architecture is adjusted or modified, the entire system has to be adjusted as well. This makes scalability a major concern and can add complexity, cost, and time to the overall project.
Reduced Levels of Agility
Due the multiple layers and reliance on interconnected components, the architecture lacks agility and the ability to quickly adapt to customer needs. Monolithic architectures require a high level of coordination between different parts in order to make any changes, and this coordination can be difficult to achieve. With the increased complexity of the architecture, it becomes more challenging to develop, alter, and deploy the software. This in turn reduces the level of agility of the system, further slowing down the development process.
High Level of Concentration
Monolithic architectures lead to a high level of concentration, with all components, data, and code related to the application bundled into the same space. This can be difficult to manage, as debugging and identifying issues become more complicated. In addition, the entire system must have adequate protection from external threats, and be monitored for any new code or data that is added. This can also present serious monetary risks, as any breach in the single space could potentially lead to the entire system being compromised.
Inflexible User Interface
The inflexibility of a monolithic architecture limit the ability to create custom user interfaces (UIs). This could lead to a lack of satisfaction with customers, as the lack of customization in the interface means that each user isn’t getting the full, personalized experience. UI changes must be made within the entire system, requiring time and resources to make adjustments. Thus, any changes made to the interface must be made cautiously, as the entire architecture is connected and can be affected.
Increased Cost of Ownership
The high cost of ownership associated with monolithic architectures is likely its most concerning drawback. Not only are costs associated with constructing and maintaining the system, but also any code changes or additional features require significant resources. Additionally, additional labor costs may arise due to the complexity of the system, as debugging and identifying issues can become increasingly difficult. The cost of ownership may also include maintenance or expansion costs when the system is unable to scale easily.
Benefits of a Monolithic Architecture
Monolithic architectures come with their own set of benefits, notably the speed and low costs associated with the initial setup its relatively simple deployment process. There is no need to integrate other components or set up different services, as the entire system is self-contained and ready to go. Moreover, with more developers having extensive knowledge of the current framework, it reduces the learning curve and can help create a more sustainable codebase.
Microservices and Cloud Computing
Microservices and cloud computing offer an alternative to monolithic architecture, as they provide a more modular approach and are easier to develop, maintain, expand, and customize. Through a service-oriented architecture, developers can create smaller components each responsible for different tasks and separated for better security. This provides a more clear-cut way to handle changes and is less disruptive to the system, including improved ability to scale up or down. Additionally, moving to the cloud can reduced costs significantly, as the cloud is able to automatically deal with various tasks, including managing scalability.
Technological and Infrastructure Changes
Technological and infrastructure changes can likewise reduce some of the drawbacks of monolithic architecture. Technologies such as containers can help separate different areas of application, but still preserve the core structure of a monolithic system. In addition, advancements in infrastructure, such as serverless computing and virtualization, further reduce the complexity and costs of scaling, allowing for a more nimble and flexible system.
Overall Considerations
When it comes to monolithic architecture, there are both pros and cons. Its speed and low cost of initial setup are attractive for those looking for a quick solution to their project. On the other hand, its drawbacks, such as the fragility of the system, the lack of customization on the user interface, and the difficulty of scalability should be taken into consideration. Ultimately, it is up to the organization to determine what suits their situation best.
