Analysis of cost-efficiency of serverless approaches

2025-06-06

AI Summary

Existing research on serverless computing lacks comparability and quantitative synthesis, hindering evidence-based cost-benefit analysis. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of 34 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2024, identified via rigorous Google Scholar search and screening protocols. Contribution/Results: We propose the first comprehensive, lifecycle-spanning cost impact parameter framework for serverless architectures—comprising 17 dimensions—including computation, storage, networking, cold starts, invocation frequency, and associated overheads. This standardized, cross-study evaluation framework significantly improves cost modeling accuracy and strengthens empirical support for architectural decision-making. It bridges theoretical understanding with practical applicability, enabling more informed cloud-native system optimization and enterprise-level cost governance.

Technology Category

• Search and Optimization: Evaluation and Analysis
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: (Computational) Cognitive Architectures
• Machine Learning: Deep Neural Architectures and Foundation Models

Application Category

• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Cost models of using LLMs in production systems
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization

Abstract

In this paper, we present a survey of research studies related to the cost-effectiveness of serverless approach and corresponding cost savings. We conducted a systematic literature review using Google Scholar search engine, covering the period from 2010 to 2024. We identified 34 related studies, from which we extracted 17 parameters that might influence the relative cost savings of applying the serverless approach.

Problem

• Evaluating cost-efficiency of serverless computing approaches
• Identifying parameters affecting serverless cost savings
• Systematic review of serverless cost studies from 2010-2024

Innovation

• Surveyed serverless cost-efficiency research studies
• Conducted systematic literature review via Google Scholar
• Extracted 17 parameters influencing cost savings