Great International Developer Summit (GIDS)

Goodbye Microservices, Hello Self-Contained Systems - Simon Martinelli

46:15 · 21 Apr 2026 – 24 Apr 2026 · YouTube

About this talk

This talk discusses the challenges posed by microservices, such as operational overhead and complex debugging, while introducing Self-Contained Systems (SCS) as a simpler alternative. The speaker illustrates how SCS enables modularity by allowing each part of the application to operate independently, including its own UI, business logic, and database, thereby minimizing cross-service dependencies. Using practical examples from a real-world project developed with Java and Vaadin, the session highlights how SCS reduces system complexity, simplifies deployment, and enhances end-to-end ownership for development teams. Additionally, the speaker addresses the key differences between microservices and SCS, when to choose SCS for your organization, and strategies for transitioning to a more maintainable architecture.