Optimizing Web Applications with AWS Serverless Architecture

Among a wide range of services that we offer, BHSoft also has a reputation for our cloud solution. In this article, we will dig into how BHSOFT utilizes AWS to help a Finnish customer to build a web application that allows users to manage and control construction equipment based on location.

In general, the web application obtains information from a number of machines. These machines are integrated with heavy construction equipment such as excavator, wheel loader, surface drill or dozer which are operating at various construction areas. The main task of the machines is to upload their log points along with all essential information (operation situation, operation result, machine location) onto the web platform. Each machine uses its own project ID to join the project, syncing with the project data (project planning, work order, etc.)

BHSoft helped the client build this web platform. We used a full range of AWS services to manage the back end part and API of the web application. We also used AWS CodeCommit to store code, AWS CodeBuild to build code and deploy as well as AWS Code Pipe to automate development phases for better and faster release of features/ updates.

Below is the full list of AWS services that BHSoft used in this project along with how and why they are useful in this specific case.

1. Amazon S3

We built the front end part with Angular 8 and then host it on Amazon S3. Basically we configured Amazon S3 to host the static resources for the customer’s web application. By using the static website hosting feature on an S3 bucket, we hosted a customer’s static website at a very low cost with great scalability that can handle millions of users.

2. Amazon Cognito

We used Anazon Cognito to manage user accounts and authenticate users. Users are able to register new accounts, verify their email address and sign into the site. Amazon Cognito provides user management and authentication functions to secure the backend API. Amazon Cognito is also convenient for testing and guest login.

3. AWS Lambda

We built a REST API using Java and AWS Lambda, each endpoint of the REST API is a separate serverless function that is deployed on AWS Lambda. Using Lambda saved us from paying for idle server time. This also helped us reduce the billing cost as well as cut down the project cost for customers.

4. Amazon API gateway

Amazon API Gateway provides tools for creating and documenting web APIs that route HTTP requests to Lambda functions. We added the API Gateway to route the request to the Lambda Cluster. The API gateway also implements security, e.g. verify that the client is authorized to perform the request. This method is very useful in securing access to the API with authentication and authorization controls.

What is a Serverless Web Application?

A serverless web application is a modern cloud-based approach to building web apps where developers don’t have to worry about managing servers. Instead of setting up, maintaining, and scaling infrastructure, all of that work is handled automatically by cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.

With serverless, resources scale up or down as needed, security and availability are built in, and you only pay for what you actually use. This allows teams to launch faster, lower operational costs, and spend more time focusing on building features and improving user experience rather than dealing with infrastructure.

Why Is Serverless Becoming a Major Trend in Modern Web Development?

Serverless is gaining rapid adoption thanks to several clear and practical advantages:

✔Lower operational costs

You only pay for resources when your application is actually running—there’s no cost for idle servers sitting in the background. Compared to traditional server-based models, this can lead to significant cost savings.

✔Automatic scalability

Serverless applications automatically scale up or down based on real user demand, without the need for manual configuration or capacity planning.

✔No infrastructure management

Cloud providers take care of infrastructure updates, maintenance, and security, allowing development teams to focus on building features rather than managing servers.

✔Faster development and deployment

Independent, event-driven functions can be developed and deployed quickly, helping teams shorten development cycles and bring products to market faster.

When Should You Use a Serverless Web Application?

Serverless is especially well suited for the following scenarios:

✔ Applications with unpredictable or fluctuating traffic

When user demand changes frequently, serverless can automatically scale up or down without manual intervention.

✔ Static websites or Single-Page Applications (SPAs)

Serverless works particularly well with static content and modern frontend frameworks, delivering fast performance with minimal overhead.

✔ Lightweight APIs or event-driven data processing

It’s an excellent choice for microservices, RESTful APIs, and background tasks triggered by events.

✔ Startups and businesses focused on speed and cost efficiency

For teams looking to shorten development cycles, launch faster, and keep infrastructure costs under control, serverless offers a highly flexible and cost-effective approach.

By combining services such as Amazon S3, Cognito, Lambda, and API Gateway, businesses can build a flexible, powerful, and highly scalable architecture that fits perfectly with today’s cloud-native landscape.

If you’re planning to build a new application or modernize your existing architecture, serverless is a direction well worth considering and investing in. Contact us via hello@bachasoftware.com