COMPEL Glossary / microservices
Microservices
Microservices is an architectural pattern where applications are built as a collection of small, independent services that communicate through well-defined APIs, each responsible for a specific function and deployable independently.
What this means in practice
For AI, microservices architecture enables individual AI capabilities to be deployed, updated, scaled, and monitored independently: a demand forecasting service can be updated without affecting a fraud detection service, and each can scale based on its own demand patterns. This architectural approach is important for enterprise AI because it prevents the creation of monolithic AI systems that are difficult to maintain, update, and govern. In the COMPEL Integration Architecture assessment (Domain 12), microservices capability is evaluated as part of the organization's ability to embed AI capabilities into the enterprise technology landscape flexibly and maintainably.
Why it matters
Microservices architecture enables individual AI capabilities to be deployed, updated, scaled, and monitored independently, preventing the creation of monolithic AI systems that are difficult to maintain and govern. When each AI service can be managed independently, organizations gain flexibility to update a fraud detection model without affecting demand forecasting, and each service can scale based on its own demand patterns.
How COMPEL uses it
Microservices capability is evaluated in the COMPEL Integration Architecture assessment (Domain 12) during Calibrate, measuring the organization's ability to embed AI capabilities into the enterprise technology landscape flexibly and maintainably. During Model, microservices architecture decisions are made as part of the Technology pillar design. The Produce stage implements service boundaries and APIs. The Evaluate stage monitors service independence and deployment frequency.
Related Terms
Other glossary terms mentioned in this entry's definition and context.