Serverless Computing: Functions Without Servers
‘Serverless’ is a slightly misleading name — there are still servers, you just never have to think about them. Your code runs only when triggered, and you pay only for the milliseconds it actually runs.
It is a powerful model for the right workloads, and this article explains when it fits.
How It Works
You write small functions — for example, ‘resize an uploaded image’ — and the platform runs them on demand. When nothing is happening, nothing runs and nothing is charged. When a thousand requests arrive at once, the platform runs a thousand copies automatically.
Where It Excels
- Tasks that run occasionally rather than constantly.
- Workloads with unpredictable, spiky demand.
- Background jobs like processing uploads or sending emails.
Where It Is Less Suitable
Long-running processes and very high, steady traffic can be cheaper on traditional servers. As with most cloud choices, the right answer depends on the specific workload, and we match the tool to the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is serverless always cheaper?
For occasional or spiky workloads, usually yes. For constant heavy traffic, dedicated servers can win. We model both.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.