MACH (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless)

What does MACH architecture mean?

Companies need to be agile, dynamic and customer-oriented in order to remain future-proof. Many software companies rely on a MACH architecture to achieve this. The MACH architecture encompasses a number of technology principles on which new, state-of-the-art technology platforms are based. The acronym stands for microservices-based, API-first, cloud-native and headless:

  • Microservices: Individual business functions (software components) are developed, delivered and managed independently
  • API-first: All features are delivered via one API, so it’s possible to connect two or more applications or services quickly and easily
  • Cloud-native: A cloud-native SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solution leverages all cloud capabilities beyond storage and hosting, including flexible scaling of available resources. The advantage is that the user does not have to have physical server performance himself
  • Headless: The frontend user experience is completely decoupled from the backend logic, allowing complete design freedom when designing the user interface and connecting to other channels and devices

MACH technologies support composable architecture or composable commerce, i. e. each component is pluggable, scalable, interchangeable and can be continuously improved. A MACH architecture gives software companies the freedom to choose from the best tools on the market and build a structure that makes it easy to add, replace, or remove those tools in the future. Companies are not dependent on one provider, but can quickly replace impractical solutions.

What are the advantages of a MACH architecture?

Flexible adaption and innovation

Today, it is more important than ever to be able to make changes quickly when, for example, market requirements or customer needs change. The ability to constantly change and renew the customer experience is a cornerstone of the MACH architecture. Regardless of whether additional service functions are required over the weekend or whether a new ordering experience is to be implemented, MACH makes it possible.

Improved speed with reduced risk

The agile architecture offers a drastically faster path to MVP (minimum viable product) and thus to market launch. Prototypes can be deployed quickly to test concepts before companies invest in large-scale implementations.

Implementation of a best-of-breed strategy

The MACH architecture allows companies to use the best available technologies. Companies no longer have to limit themselves to the add-ons that are available for specific software suites. By easily integrating new features into the system and combining them with existing tools, those already bought tools can be retained and the investment in them continues to pay off.

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