Cloud Native Architecture Patterns: Part 2 - Mortar Patterns

Now that we’ve been equipped with an understanding of how software architectures can exploit the unique aspects of cloud infrastructure environments, it’s time to construct a pattern catalog that can guide our decision making as we journey from concepts and principles to concrete implementations. The software industry has long been motivated by the promise of a “component marketplace” from which we can draw commodity components which can be composed via standardized mechanisms to create powerful systems. These systems are often compared to the myriad of possible creations that can be produced using Lego pieces. The power in the Lego “architecture” is found in the amazing diversity of individual pieces that are composed via a universal system of compatibility. Cloud native architectures approximate the same power via Lego-like patterns.

In this two-part series, we’ll divide the cloud native patterns into two categories:

  1. Bricks - how we design cloud native services
  2. Mortar - how we compose cloud native systems

In part one we’ll study “Mortar Patterns” from the following categories:

  • Service Discovery
  • Edge Gateways
  • Fault Tolerance
  • Event-Driven Systems
  • Contract Management
  • Integration Telemetry

The learner should leave this session prepared to compose cloud native solutions from any available collection of cloud native “bricks.”


Matt Stine

About Matt Stine

My passion is taking a metaphysical approach to software engineering: what is the nature of the collaborative game that we continuously play, and are there better, more contextually-aware ways to play that game?

By day I lead a team tasked with taking a first-principles-centric approach to intentionally enabling programming language usage at the largest bank in the United States.

By night I write and teach my way through a masterclass in software engineering and architecture targeting early-career software engineers working in large-scale enterprise technology organizations.

What is the primary goal?

To win the game. More seriously: to get 1% better every day at providing business value through software.

Who am I?

I'm a 22-year veteran of the enterprise software industry. I've played almost every role I can imagine:

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Architect
  • Technical Lead
  • Engineering Manager
  • Consultant
  • Product Manager
  • Field CTO
  • Developer Advocate
  • Conference Speaker
  • Author
  • Technical Trainer
  • Technical Marketer
  • Site Reliability Engineer
  • Desktop Support Specialist

I've worked at Fortune 500 companies, a tenacious teal cloud startup, and a not-for-profit children's hospital. I've written a book, and I've hosted a podcast. I've learned a lot along the way, including many things I wish I'd known when I first got started. And so now I want to pass those learnings on to you, especially if you've only just begun your career.

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