Authors:
Maurício Carvalho
;
Juliana Bezerra
and
Karla Donato Fook
Affiliation:
Department of Computing Science, Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), São José dos Campos, Brazil
Keyword(s):
Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Cloud Computing, Modular Monolith, Microservices.
Abstract:
Cloud-native software startups face intense pressure from limited resources, high uncertainty, and the need for rapid validation. In this context, early architectural decisions have lasting effects on scalability, maintainability, and adaptability. Although microservices are often favored for their modularity, they introduce significant operational overhead and require organizational maturity that many startups lack. Traditional monoliths offer simplicity but tend to evolve into rigid, tightly coupled systems. When designed with disciplined modularity, modular monoliths can offer internal boundaries that support sustainable growth while avoiding the fragmentation and complexity of premature microservices adoption. The existing literature emphasizes microservices, leaving gaps in guidance for modular monoliths on topics like modularization, scalability, onboarding, and deployment. This paper proposes guidelines for designing scalable modular monoliths, maintaining architectural flexib
ility, and reducing complexity, thereby supporting long-term evolution under typical startup constraints. The initial category of guidelines is presented, and their intended structure is thoroughly outlined.
(More)