Microservice architecture design and governance service description
1. Service overview
1.1 Service description
As cloud computing grows in popularity, businesses are deepening their understanding of the cloud and actively pursuing cloud transformations. The focus has shifted from simply migrating to the cloud to using the cloud effectively. Cloud-native technology, which embodies the benefits of cloud computing, is becoming the de facto standard and the way of the future. As a key implementation scenario for cloud-native technology, adopting microservices is a critical step for businesses in their cloud-native transformation. As a top member and contributor to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), Alibaba Cloud has invested heavily in cloud-native technology and microservices. We provide customers with cloud-native architecture consulting services. By implementing key cloud-native technologies, such as microservice transformation and continuous delivery, and combining them with Alibaba Cloud's comprehensive cloud-native product portfolio, we help customers build more flexible, modern, and standard cloud-native applications. This approach accelerates business development.
Broadly, cloud-native encompasses four core technologies: containerization, microservices, DevOps, and continuous delivery. As cloud computing evolves, so do these concepts. Containerization pertains to the application's runtime environment, which enables unified management and orchestration. Microservices focus on a distributed, decoupled, and highly cohesive application architecture that forms a stateless aggregation designed for elasticity. DevOps emphasizes automation and observability, using popular methodologies and tools to manage resource utilization, performance monitoring, and service administration. Continuous delivery represents an application's ability to respond to business needs with flexibility, robustness, and elasticity.
The Microservice Architecture Design and Governance Service supports the technical requirements of businesses that are adopting microservices. The service includes cloud-native architecture design, continuous delivery, microservice transformation, and microservice administration. These services are tailored to specific project and customer requirements.
2. Scope of service
The scope of service is divided into three categories: Microservice Architecture Design Service, Microservice Architecture Governance Service, and Microservice Architecture Implementation Support Service. Deliverables vary based on the customer's type and needs.
2.1 Microservice architecture design service
The Microservice Architecture Design Service is available in Basic and Standard editions. The details are as follows.
2.1.1 Basic Edition scope of service
The Basic Edition service includes the following items:
An infrastructure survey
A survey of the business status and application system
Cloud infrastructure design
Microservice technology selection and standard solution design
Solution validation for a module of a customer's business scenario using a demo. The validation demo involves a maximum of three associated microservices. Each microservice implements a maximum of two interfaces. Only a single language is supported.
2.1.2 Standard Edition scope of service
The Standard Edition includes all services from the Basic Edition, plus the following:
Containerization: Build a Kubernetes (K8s) cluster using Alibaba Cloud ACK.
CI/CD: Build an automated continuous delivery infrastructure using Apsara Devops or open source solutions, such as GitLab and Jenkins.
Validation of the preceding services using a demo.
2.2 Microservice architecture governance service
The Microservice Architecture Governance Service is also available in Basic and Standard editions. The details are as follows:
2.2.1 Basic Edition scope of service
Survey and assess one of the customer's core business systems, provide a governance solution, and assist the customer with rapid implementation and deployment.
No. | Service content | Service description | Deliverable |
1 | Project preparation | Confirm the customer's microservice governance goals. Clarify the scope of our services. Confirm the Alibaba Cloud team and customer contacts, and hold a project kickoff meeting. | Statement of Work Service Kickoff Meeting PPT |
2 | Customer survey | Survey the customer's cloud resource usage and core system architecture. Identify existing problems and risks at the microservice architecture layer. Provide a survey and assessment report. | System Survey Report System Assessment Report |
3 | Solution design | Based on the assessment report, create a targeted system transformation plan. The service package includes two items: a cloud product governance solution and microservice architecture governance. | System Transformation Plan |
4 | Solution implementation | Break down the transformation plan into tasks. Assist the customer with solution testing and handle issues during the transformation process. | Project Task Breakdown Sheet Project Implementation Issue Checklist |
5 | Production cutover | Work with the customer to create a production cutover plan and assist with the production transformation and online validation. | Production Environment Cutover Plan Cutover Issue Checklist |
6 | Post-launch support | Provide one week of support for the production environment after launch to ensure a successful deployment. | Post-launch Issue Checklist |
2.2.2 Standard Edition scope of service
Survey and assess one of the customer's core business systems, provide a governance solution, and assist the customer with rapid implementation and deployment. This service also improves the release efficiency and end-to-end observability of the customer's business system.
1 | Project preparation | Confirm the customer's microservice governance goals. Clarify the scope of our services. Confirm the Alibaba Cloud team and customer contacts, and hold a project kickoff meeting. | Statement of Work Service Kickoff Meeting PPT |
2 | Customer survey | Survey the customer's cloud resource usage and core system architecture. Identify existing problems and risks at the microservice architecture layer. Provide a survey and assessment report. | System Survey Report System Assessment Report |
3 | Solution design | Based on the assessment report, create a targeted system transformation plan. The service package includes five items: a cloud product governance solution, microservice architecture governance, a release governance solution, an observability solution, and an end-to-end canary release solution. | System Transformation Plan |
4 | Solution implementation | Break down the transformation plan into tasks. Assist the customer with solution testing and handle issues during the transformation process. | Project Task Breakdown Sheet Project Implementation Issue Checklist |
5 | Production cutover | Work with the customer to create a production cutover plan and assist with the production transformation and online validation. | Production Environment Cutover Plan Cutover Issue Checklist |
6 | Post-launch support | Provide one week of support for the production environment after launch to ensure a successful deployment. | Post-launch Issue Checklist |
2.3 Microservice architecture implementation support service
This service provides technical support for the customer's implementation process based on the solutions from the microservice architecture design and governance services.
The following items are not included in the scope of service:
We do not modify the customer's business code. We only provide technical support based on the agreed-upon solution.
The scope of technical support is limited to solutions and implementations that are based on standard Alibaba Cloud products. We are not responsible for technical support or troubleshooting for the customer's on-premises services or self-built third-party services on the cloud.
The time frame for implementation support is agreed upon based on the project cycle. We do not provide indefinite technical support.
During implementation support, we are not responsible for the overall implementation schedule. The schedule is the customer's responsibility. Alibaba Cloud provides only technical support and troubleshooting.
3. Prerequisites
The customer must request this service at least 15 business days in advance. This allows Alibaba Cloud to assess the feasibility of the customer's business goals and timeline and to confirm whether the service request can be accepted.
The customer must promptly provide Alibaba Cloud with all necessary documents, information, data, charts, system permissions, and remote access channels to enable service delivery. All provided materials are subject to the confidentiality clauses of this agreement. The customer agrees that all information disclosed to Alibaba Cloud is true, accurate, and not misleading.
This project provides consulting services for the microservices model. Service providers are not restricted by location because services are primarily delivered remotely through telephone, DingTalk, and email.
During project delivery, the customer is the primary implementer. Alibaba Cloud provides solution design and issue resolution during implementation. The customer is responsible for specific application deployment and testing.
During project implementation, both parties must use mutually agreed-upon communication methods, such as DingTalk, the Internet, and email. The project managers from both sides are responsible for transmitting all written information required for this project.
All project deliverables are provided in Simplified Chinese, and the working language is Chinese. All deliverables are provided in Microsoft Office format (including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Visio) and submitted as electronic copies.
Party A and Party B shall perform the project work in accordance with the agreed-upon work plan, personnel resource plan, and schedule. If Party A delays the release of a related business system iteration, the project schedule will be postponed accordingly, and Party B shall not be held responsible.
Neither party is liable for any special, incidental, or indirect damages or consequential economic losses (including loss of profits or savings) under this project, even if the party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
As the primary operations and maintenance (O&M) entity, the customer must perform O&M work related to their business.
4. Division of responsibilities
4.1.1 Customer and Alibaba Cloud
Both parties must agree on and confirm the specific business goals and scope.
The contract must be signed and payment must be completed.
4.1.2 Responsibilities of both parties at each stage
To ensure the project progresses smoothly, both parties have different responsibilities at each stage of the project plan.
Project stage | Customer (Party A) | Party B |
Project preparation stage | 1. Appoint a project manager with appropriate skills and experience as the main contact for communication with Alibaba Cloud. This person represents the customer, is directly responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, and controlling project implementation, and is responsible for escalating issues and risks. They must also have full authority to make decisions on all aspects of this project on behalf of the customer. 2. The project manager must work with Alibaba Cloud personnel to confirm all items in the project preparation stage. For more information, see Section 3. Prerequisites of this Statement of Work. 3. Prepare the office environment and approve access permissions for the required personnel. 4. Manage the customer's project team members, communicate with the personnel required for each stage, and secure their commitment and time for the project. 5. Manage the customer's project team members. | 1. Assign an experienced project manager to manage the project, assemble and manage the Alibaba Cloud project team members, and communicate with the customer's project manager. 2. Propose solutions and plans for all items in the project preparation stage, confirm them with the customer's project manager, and document them in writing. For more information, see Section 3. Prerequisites of this Statement of Work. |
Current status survey stage | 1. Organize key users to participate in survey interviews according to the project plan and interview plan. 2. Provide an overview of the current business, such as systems, applications, data, organization chart, and personnel division, as input for Alibaba Cloud's assessment based on the survey requirements. 3. Confirm the microservice strategy and risk governance policy for Party B. 4. Appoint a representative to review Alibaba Cloud's deliverables, provide feedback, and confirm acceptance. | 1. Provide an interview plan and assess the existing infrastructure, application architecture, and application dependencies based on the interview results. 2. Propose a microservice strategy and risk governance policy based on the assessment results and reach an agreement with the customer. 3. Ensure the final deliverables meet the acceptance criteria based on customer feedback. |
Solution design stage | 1. Collaborate with Party B to design the solution's overall microservices model, containerization, and CI/CD. 2. Collaborate with Party B to design the overall microservice administration solution. 3. Appoint a representative to review Alibaba Cloud's deliverables, provide feedback, and confirm acceptance. | 1. Design the microservice architecture solution and related solutions, such as containerization and CI/CD, based on the scope of service and the customer's specific scenario. 2. Design the microservice governance solution based on the scope of service and the customer's specific scenario. 3. Ensure the final deliverables meet the acceptance criteria based on customer feedback. |
Solution validation stage | 1. Assist Alibaba Cloud in validating the feasibility of the solution. Provide the necessary business inputs, resources, environments, and other support for solution validation. Cooperate with specific code refactoring and implementation work. 2. Appoint a representative to review Alibaba Cloud's deliverables, provide feedback, and confirm acceptance. | 1. Assist and guide the customer in activating or purchasing cloud resources and completing the infrastructure setup and configuration. 2. Provide microservice technical support, CI/CD implementation support, troubleshooting, and solutions. 3. Build a validation demo based on the microservice transformation plan. 4. Implement the specific governance solution and launch the application based on the microservice governance plan. |
5. Service-Level Agreement
Provide expert services for microservice architecture design and governance.
During the service period, we provide technical consultation and training guidance to the customer on the content covered in the service package.
Provide the corresponding deliverables for each service package. For more information, see Section 7.1 Acceptance checklist.
6. Service flow
Application time limit: The customer must submit a service purchase request at least 15 days before the service is scheduled to start.
Service flow:
7. Acceptance criteria
7.1 Acceptance checklist
Microservice Architecture Design Service acceptance checklist
No. | Delivery stage | Deliverable | Deliverable type |
1 | Project survey stage | Project Survey Report | Document |
2 | Solution design stage | Microservice Architecture Design Plan | Support |
3 | Containerization Architecture Design Plan (Optional) | Document | |
4 | Continuous Delivery Automation Plan (Optional) | Document | |
8 | Solution validation stage | Validation Demo + Operation Guide | Code + Document |
Microservice Architecture Governance Service acceptance checklist
No. | Service stage | Deliverable | Deliverable type |
Microservice Governance Service | Service kickoff | Statement of Work Service Kickoff Meeting | Document |
Customer survey | System Survey Report | Document | |
Solution design | Microservice Governance Plan | Document | |
Solution implementation | Project Implementation Plan Project Implementation Issue Checklist | Document | |
Production cutover | Production Environment Cutover Plan | Document | |
Post-launch support | Support Report | Document |
7.2 Acceptance criteria
1. Alibaba Cloud provides technical consultation and guidance within the service package, assists the customer in designing the microservice architecture and improving its stability, and documents technical solutions and issues throughout the process. Therefore, the acceptance of document-based deliverables must focus on their substantive content to confirm that the submitted content meets the customer's requirements.
2. If the customer's business process requires internal reviews before Alibaba Cloud submits deliverables, the customer must facilitate and promptly complete the required internal reviews and reports before the agreed-upon acceptance time.
3. After the document content is reviewed, if modifications are needed, Alibaba Cloud makes the changes and submits them to the customer for acceptance. A representative designated by the customer signs off on the document. If there are no objections, the customer must provide online or written confirmation, such as by email, within 5 business days. For more information about the acceptance checklist, see Section 7.1 Acceptance checklist.
Acceptance criteria for Basic and Standard Editions of Microservice Architecture Design:
The solution design meets customer requirements and is confirmed through acceptance. For more information about the specific plans, see Section 7.1 Acceptance checklist.
Acceptance criteria for Basic and Standard Editions of Microservice Architecture Governance:
The solution design meets customer requirements and is confirmed through acceptance. For more information about the specific plans, see Section 7.1 Acceptance checklist.
Acceptance criteria for Microservice Architecture Implementation Support Service:
The implementation support service provided based on the solution design meets the customer's expectations. For more information about the specific plans, see Section 7.1 Acceptance checklist.
7.3 Acceptance plan
Based on the delivery content and deliverables for each stage listed in Section 7.1 Acceptance checklist, this project will be accepted according to the following acceptance plan. The customer agrees to accept Alibaba Cloud's deliverables based on this plan.
Service | Acceptance milestone | Acceptance content | Sign of acceptance completion |
Microservice Architecture Design Service | Microservice architecture solution design and validation are complete | All deliverables from the project preparation, survey and assessment, and design stages | The customer confirms the Acceptance Report online |
Solution validation demo acceptance is complete | Runnable demo, which includes code and an operation guide | The customer confirms the Acceptance Report online | |
Microservice Governance Service | Microservice governance transformation plan design and validation are complete | Microservice governance solution design plan | The customer confirms the Acceptance Report online |
Microservice Architecture Implementation Support Service | Implementation of the microservice architecture solution is complete based on customer requirements | The microservice governance solution is implemented, and associated applications are transformed and launched | The customer confirms the Acceptance Report online |
8. Completion criteria
The customer has completed acceptance.