From Monolith to Microservices: One

*# From Monolith to Microservices: A step-by-step guide *

Opened at: 21. January 2026

1. Introduction: The evolutionary step for your IT architecture

Short: Executive answer: Learn how to gradually transfer your monolithic legacy application to a modern microservice architecture.

Executive answer: Learn how to gradually transfer your monolithic legacy application to a modern microservice architecture.

Decision-makers exploring From Monolith to Microservices: One can use Legacy Modernisation, Cost Calculator: Legacy Modernisation, Solution: Legacy Reduction sowie Monolith vs. Microservices as structured entry points.

Many years of growing [legacy](/services/legacy modernization) systems are designed as monolith: a single, huge application in which all functionalities are inseparably interwoven.

While this approach worked in the past, it becomes increasingly a brake pad in today's fast-paced digital world. Changes are risky, scaling is difficult and the introduction of new technologies becomes torment.

The transition to a microservice architecture is the logical next step for many companies. The monolithic application is disassembled into small, independent services which are each responsible for a specific business function.

This guide gradually leads you through the process of [migration](/services/legacy modernization) from a monolith to a flexible and future-proof Microservices landscape.

2. Monolith vs. Microservices: An architecture comparison

Short: Characteristics Monolithic architecture Microservices architecture

Characteristics Monolithic architecture Microservices architecture

Structure * * A single large code base and a single executable file. Many small, independent services with own code bases.

**development * * The entire team is working on a single code base. Small, autonomous teams are responsible for one or more services.

**Deployment * * The entire application must be re-provided for each change. Each service can be provided independently of the others.

**Scaling * * Only the entire application can be scaled even if only a small part has more load. Each service can be individually scaled, saving resources.

** Technology* * The entire application is set to a single technology stack. Each service can be developed in the most suitable technology for it.

3. Advantages of Microservice Architecture

• Agility and speed: Smaller, independent teams can develop and deploy faster.

• Scalability: Critical services can be scaled in a targeted manner without compromising the entire application.

• Technological freedom: For each service the best technology can be chosen.

• Resilience: The failure of a single service does not lead to failure of the entire application.

• Simplified maintenance: Smaller code bases are easier to understand and wait.

The step-by-step migration: The Strangler-FIG-Pattern

Short: A "Big Bang" migration, where the monolith is replaced by microservices on one stroke, is extremely risky and often fails.

A "Big Bang" migration, where the monolith is replaced by microservices on one stroke, is extremely risky and often fails.

A proven approach is the Strangler-Fig-Pattern, named after the wortfeige, which slowly wraps around a tree and finally replaces it.

In this pattern, the monolith is progressively "strangulated" by new microservices

References and further reading

Short: The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

• Bitkom – German digital industry association
• German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
• European Commission – Digital strategy
• MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
• W3C – World Wide Web Consortium

"Cloud-native only pays off when operations, security, and cost model match the architecture—otherwise you ship complexity faster."

— Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this article about: “From Monolith to Microservices: One”?

This post explores From Monolith to Microservices: One from the perspective of requirements, typical pitfalls, and sensible next steps.

In short: Learn how to gradually transfer your monolithic legacy application to a modern microservice architecture. A practical guide with the Strangler-FIG-Pattern.

Who benefits most from the content described here?

Useful for project leads and product owners in Legacymodernization who must choose between standard software, custom development, and integration.

How does this topic fit into an IT or digital strategy?

Technically and organizationally, alignment with experienced partners pays off — from requirements to operations; start with the [services overview](/en/services/software-development). For multi-system landscapes, [IT consulting and architecture](/en/services/it-consulting) helps align vendors and internal teams.

What are sensible next steps if we need support?

A practical next step: book a consultation and clarify which MVP or pilot fits your team and landscape.