Technology
WordPress and serverless architecture
Tiia Ohtokallio
Maintaining WordPress in a traditional server environment can be complex and resource-intensive, especially in long-lifecycle web services where technical debt and pending updates may catch you off guard. Serverless architecture offers a modern solution that frees developers from infrastructure management and enables better scalability, lifecycle management, and cost efficiency.
What makes serverless ideal for WordPress?
In the development of web services and applications, traditional hosting environments have long caused challenges in terms of maintenance, scalability, and security. We decided to make a significant strategic change: we abandoned hosting environments and transitioned entirely to serverless-based solutions in Google Cloud. This change has improved the security, energy efficiency, and long-term maintainability of our clients’ services.
Serverless architecture introduces a high level of abstraction, where the developer does not have to worry about operating system updates, capacity management, or the security of the server environment. This enables faster development and better concentration on the functionality of the application itself. This also eliminates the risks associated with human errors and oversights concerning security updates.
Serverless architecture also scales automatically according to usage. While traditional servers are always on and continuously reserve resources regardless of actual use, with serverless architecture, you only pay for the resources consumed. This makes the service more efficient both financially and environmentally.
Concrete benefits: Serverless WordPress in Google Cloud
One of the key reasons for transitioning to serverless was the burdensome maintenance of traditional hosting environments. Managing servers, ensuring scalability, and continuous updates consumed a significant amount of resources. Thanks to serverless architecture, we can now offer our clients an environment where infrastructure maintenance and capacity management are fully automated.
From a security perspective, serverless offers significant advantages. In traditional environments, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks could pose a serious threat, but Google Cloud’s Cloud Armor solution automatically mitigates such attacks. Furthermore, advanced load balancing and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are in use, guaranteeing a fast and secure user experience globally.
Google Cloud's Cloud architecture
When maintaining digital services, technical capability and security are not enough—environmental responsibility also plays an important role. Google Cloud’s data center in Hamina, where we host all our services, is the second most energy-efficient data center in Europe. It uses seawater for cooling and relies on local wind power. Waste heat is recycled back into the district heating network.
A specific benefit we can offer our clients through Google Cloud is precise emissions measurement. It is possible to report emissions from every project as part of the client’s value chain, which supports companies’ sustainability reporting and carbon neutrality goals.
Emissions can be measured on a per-project basis
Overview of the Google Cloud Ecosystem
| Feature | Google Cloud |
| Security | Comprehensive log data, analytics, and integrations (e.g., with SIEM systems). No need for infrastructure maintenance. The entire Google Cloud platform is ISO 27001 certified (Statement of Applicability available for download). |
| Ecological sustainability | Nearly 100% renewable energy, 1.5 times more energy efficient than traditional solutions. Highly accurate project-specific carbon footprint reporting. |
| Scalability | Automatically scales according to the web service needs without wasting resources. |
| Continuous development | Evolving features such as data analytics, the Vertex AI platform, and automation. Fewer manual work steps. Always compliant with legal requirements. |
| Load balancing, CDN, and DDOS | Google’s proprietary Content Delivery Network (CDN) and load balancing improve speed, security, and distribute load globally. Automated AI-assisted Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack mitigation: Cloud Armor. |
| Availability | >99,99% |
| Data Center | Located in Finland, specifically Hamina. Europe’s second most energy-efficient server hall. Cooling utilizes seawater, and waste heat is recycled into the district heating network. |
| Architecture | Serverless enables greater investment in developing business logic instead of worrying about the infrastructure. |
Manage technical debt and lifecycle costs with serverless
Studies show that up to 36% of software development time is spent fixing technical debt, and in some cases, maintenance accounts for as much as 50–75% of the total cost of a software project’s lifecycle. This means that well-managed maintenance can save significant sums in the long run.
A Modern Solution for Website Management
Serverless WordPress is the future solution that enables flexible, secure, and cost-effective maintenance without the challenges of traditional server infrastructure. Google Cloud’s Cloud Run offers an efficient and environmentally responsible way to run WordPress scalably without unnecessary platform maintenance tasks, allowing you to focus on higher value service, such as continued development.
Is the maintenance of your current WordPress site expensive and time-consuming? Would you like to hear how Serverless architecture could streamline your operations? Book a free 15-minute consultation with our expert to map out your situation.
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