Microservices have transformed how we build and scale applications, but achieving the right mix of security, reliability, and agility is key. Without a well-architected AWS container platform microservices can easily create more problems than they solve.

Here's how to structure a microservices platform that is as robust as it is scalable:

• Organisational separation for cost and accountability: Each service or business unit should operate within its own AWS organisation unit or account, tightly linked to cost allocation (e.g., by department or cost centre). This ensures clean boundaries and better financial visibility. It also enhances security by enforcing isolation between environments, reducing the blast radius of potential incidents.
• Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) alignment with application context: Every business application gets its own VPC, keeping services contextually separated while supporting secure integrations across environments.
• Subnet design tailored to service needs: At least one private subnet and one public subnet per Availability Zone. Additional subnets for connection-specific concerns, such as databases, VPNs, and communication across VPCs.
• Granular routing and access control: Route traffic from public-facing load balancers to private subnets using strict access rules. Minimise attack surfaces by restricting database or sensitive resource access to internal networks.
• Service discovery for seamless connections: Dynamically locate and connect services using AWS Service Discovery or similar tools, ensuring consistent performance as services scale or relocate.
• Auto-scaling with custom rules: Enable auto-scaling for each service with flexible configurations. Make it easy to define “pre-warm” rules to ensure your platform can handle traffic spikes without delays.
• Instant deployment with service patterns: Build a library of pre-defined service patterns as Terraform modules, customised for your organisation. This allows teams to deploy new services instantly with consistent security and operational standards.

💡 The result?

A microservices platform that isn’t just secure and reliable but also enables rapid innovation. By following these principles, your organisation can focus on delivering value while AWS takes care of the heavy lifting.

📩 Want to explore how Blackstack can help you design and implement a microservices platform tailored to your needs? Let's connect! (Contact details below👇)