explain microservices with examples

When your system starts to “fight”: Let’s talk about microservices

Picture this: you have a core device in your factory that is responsible for all processes—from receiving instructions, to executing actions, to feeding back data. One day, a gear got stuck and the entire line suddenly came to a halt. When doing repairs, you have to shut down the entire system and restart it when the repair is done. During this period, all production was suspended.

Does this look like some traditional software architecture? A huge single application affects the whole body.

Here comes the question: Is there a way to make each functional module work like an independent "servo unit"? Even if one of them needs tweaking, the others will still keep functioning?

This is the problem that microservices want to solve. It’s not a new concept, but many people get a headache hearing the technical terminology. Let’s think about it in another way: you can think of it as multiple robotic arms on an intelligent production line.

Each robot arm (microservice) is responsible for a specific action - such as gripping, rotating or welding. They communicate with each other through standard interfaces (such as small rails that transfer materials), but each has an independent control system and power source. If one arm's motor needs maintenance, you can debug it individually while the other arms continue to function. The production line will not be completely shut down.

Why is this important? Give an example.

Suppose you are developing a logistics monitoring platform. The traditional approach may be to build a giant program that puts user management, order tracking, inventory query, and map display all together. When you want to upgrade map functionality, you have to redeploy the entire application, which is risky and time-consuming.

With the microservice architecture, map display can be an independent service. It only focuses on processing location data and rendering the interface. Order tracking is another service, and inventory inquiries are yet another. They "talk" via lightweight protocols. When you need map rendering speed, you only need to update this independent service, without affecting the order or inventory modules. The system is more resilient.

Someone may ask: Will this increase the complexity of management? After all, there are multiple independent units to coordinate.

Indeed, just like managing a team of collaborative robots, you need clear communication protocols and monitoring mechanisms. But modern tools have made this more manageable. Each service can be developed, tested and deployed independently, allowing teams to focus more on their own areas of expertise. Just like what our Kpower does in the field of precision motion control - ensuring that each servo unit can accurately complete its own tasks and integrate seamlessly into the overall system.

How to start moving to microservices?

This is not a "one size fits all" decision. Usually, you can start with parts of the system that have clear boundaries and frequently change. For example, a settlement module that often needs to adapt to new payment methods is suitable to be split into independent payment services.

The point is, don’t split for the sake of splitting. Its core value is to improve flexibility and maintainability. Just like designing a mechanical transmission system, you don't have to separate all the gears, but allow the parts that are too tightly coupled and easily interfere with each other to obtain appropriate "degrees of freedom."

In this process, it is crucial to choose stable and reliable basic components. Whether it is communication middleware in software or core drivers in hardware, they all need solid quality that can withstand repeated verification. Behind this is the focus on details, just like what Kpower has insisted on in the field of power and control for many years: make each unit reliable so that the entire system can be smooth.

Eventually, you will find that microservices are not magic. It is a design idea that is closer to the real world - decomposing complex systems into a series of organic units that can collaborate and evolve independently. This architecture gives you amazing agility when you need to respond quickly to change.

Next time you feel at a loss when faced with a complex system, maybe you can think about it: What would it be like if each of its functions could be like a precision servo motor, which is both independent and precise, and collaborative and efficient? Change often starts here.

Established in 2005, Kpower has been dedicated to a professional compact motion unit manufacturer, headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China. Leveraging innovations in modular drive technology, Kpower integrates high-performance motors, precision reducers, and multi-protocol control systems to provide efficient and customized smart drive system solutions. Kpower has delivered professional drive system solutions to over 500 enterprise clients globally with products covering various fields such as Smart Home Systems, Automatic Electronics, Robotics, Precision Agriculture, Drones, and Industrial Automation.