Synthesizing Configuration Tactics for Exercising Hidden Options in Serverless Systems

Abstract: A proper configuration of an information system can ensure accuracy and efficiency, among other system objectives. Conversely, a poor configuration can have a significant negative impact on the system's performance, reliability, and cost. Serverless systems, which are comprised of many functions and managed services, especially risk exposure to misconfigurations, with many provider- and platform-specific, often intransparent and 'hidden' settings. In this paper, we argue to pay close attention to the configuration of serverless systems to exercise options with known accuracy, cost and time. Based on a literature study and long-term serverless systems development experience, we present nine tactics to unlock potentially neglected and unknown options in serverless systems.