JAMstack provides the dynamics that your platform requires
The JAMstack methodology allows you to streamline your platform and respond to your requirements through functions as a service. At first, it seems to be just another slogan, but JAMstack is a methodology that makes platforms ready for change, safeguarding internal systems and increasing performance.
JAMstack is a methodology that evolves with you
Brands need the ability to adapt to change. People's behavior and the business environment are constantly evolving**. Do you have what it takes to change with them?** If you're not sure of the answer, it's time to learn about the benefits of JAMstack and why long-term technology matters.
JAMstack refers to a technology stack based on; JavaScript ("J"), API ("A"), Markup ("M"). This methodology allows the development of modern architecture by decoupling the frontend from the backend, streamlining the platforms from the client side by incorporating functionalities and services (microservices, PBC's or SaaS), and making people's experience better.
We find a static website on the server-side, and based on markup it creates HTML entries that CDN distributes at high speed. Implementing a Static Site Generator you link a headless CMS to manage your platform's content. The rest of the functions, such as search engines, shopping carts, or payment systems, are incorporated as external services that execute the different events and actions that compose the digital experience through API calls.
A simpler and more business-focused backend remains, where communications use a universal protocol such as APIs. In contrast, the frontend can be customized to the company’s needs and based on its business strategies; without compatibility or exclusivity limitations. If you no longer require a service, just remove it, and if you need a new payment system, exactly*!* — you incorporate it.
The importance of Serverless in your platform development
When we talk about a simpler backend, we refer to the internal dependencies between services, systems, and communications, which is not the same as a simple backend. In the end, complexity is the essence of this methodology, creating platforms composed of multiple autonomous systems that are highly compatible with each other.
These systems are autonomous because they do not require your servers or resources; they base their operations on their servers (with their own resources), i.e., serverless. They only operate when called (the A of JAMStack), helping to reduce data consumption when they are not used.
An example of this type of service is Algolia's search system. A powerful engine to incorporate into your eCommerce or site that allows you to get a predictive search system, which in other words, gives you results as you type, anticipating your preference. The speed of search you get is impressive and only requires connecting the service to your internal systems to start showing results with your products.
An immediate and long-term advantage is that diversifying the servers and resources on which your site's functions are based reduces the risk of a possible service interruption and increases security. If the provider of a specific feature goes down, it will not affect your systems, which means that your platform will continue to operate even with reduced capacity.
This is a key consideration for working since a company that seeks to stand out and differentiate itself among so much digital competition requires a flawless performance in its platform and a high level of personalization of the experience. In addition, internally, it accelerates innovation by testing prototypes and launching new projects quickly.
Reusable API; the key to your platform management
We speak of Reusable API when they use the same functionality for different applications and systems. They eliminate the need for a backend that centralizes all communications and facilitates the work in future integrations.
APIs make it possible to overcome dependencies between systems and data sources, which is also part of decoupling. API-based integration allows for greater flexibility and information governance for companies that employ multiple systems and applications that share data. An example to understand this is our favorite headless CMS: Contentful.
Contentful bases its operations on 5 APIs, and in this example, we will focus on the first one; CDA (Content Delivery API). This API is the one that delivers content to applications or platforms. It is responsible for reading the content types stored in the workspace and distributing them to the systems that request them, regardless of the channel.
So if your brand decides to create a new digital channel, you don't need to connect a new API to consume your content; you reuse the same API. Everything is at hand.
At Reign, our art is to create decoupled web architecture. It allows us to fully address our clients' business needs and drive them to customize the digital experience further. The decoupled approach coupled with API reuse helps platforms ensure their ability to adapt to change without risking performance or quality, allowing you to look to the future with peace of mind.