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4 OKR examples for Microservices

What are Microservices OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Microservices to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Microservices OKRs with AI

Using Tability AI to draft complete strategies in seconds

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

See it in action in the video below 👇

Using the AI generator, you can:

  • Chat with an AI to draft your goals
  • Ask questions or provide feedback to refine the OKRs
  • Import the suggestion in an editor designed for goal setting
  • Switch back to a goal-tracking view in 1-click

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Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Our Microservices OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Microservices Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to successfully migrate personal finance API to a standalone microservices module

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully migrate personal finance API to a standalone microservices module
  • KRSuccessfully separate finance module from monolith and launch standalone service in pre-production environment
  • TaskDeploy service in pre-production environment
  • TaskDevelop finance module as a standalone service
  • TaskExtract finance module from existing monolith architecture
  • KREnsure stability and correctness by achieving 100% pass rate on all post-migration tests
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive post-migration test plan
  • TaskExecute test plan and identify any defects
  • TaskResolve defects to achieve 100% pass rate
  • KRDesign and document new microservice architecture by end of month one
  • TaskWrite comprehensive documentation on design and implementation
  • TaskDevelop design blueprints for the microservice architecture
  • TaskIdentify key components needed for new microservice architecture
Tability

2OKRs to successfully transition from monolith to microservices architecture

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully transition from monolith to microservices architecture
  • KRImplement the new architecture in a test environment and ensure 98% uptime
  • TaskRecord and resolve any occurring downtime issues
  • TaskMonitor and maintain a 98% uptime
  • TaskSet up new architecture in a test environment
  • KRDevelop and document a detailed migration plan by week 4
  • TaskBegin drafting migration plan documentations
  • TaskDetermine the timeline and needed resources
  • TaskIdentify applications, services and data for migration
  • KRSuccessfully migrate 75% of application modules to microservices architecture
  • TaskPrioritize modules based on dependencies and business needs for migration
  • TaskBegin progressive implementation of migration, monitoring progress continuously
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive microservices migration strategy and blueprint

3OKRs to execute effective decoupling of legacy monolith system

  • ObjectiveExecute effective decoupling of legacy monolith system
  • KRReduce number of monolithic components by 30% using microservices architecture
  • TaskIdentify monolithic components viable for redesign into microservices
  • TaskImplement and test newly created microservices
  • TaskDevelop microservices replacing identified monolithic components
  • KRAchieve 90% functionality in new services, ensuring business continuity without interruptions
  • TaskImplement regular maintenance and updates schedule
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive testing procedures for new services
  • TaskInitiate contingency planning for potential disruptions
  • KRTrain 75% of the software team in modular programming languages for maintenance
  • TaskSchedule and implement comprehensive training sessions
  • TaskEvaluate and measure progress after training
  • TaskIdentify team members lacking modular programming skills

4OKRs to enhance efficiency of core microservices like timeline and core list

  • ObjectiveEnhance efficiency of core microservices like timeline and core list
  • KRDecrease core list service read query time to 4s on avg
  • TaskImplement a caching system to speed up read queries
  • TaskRefactor code for efficiency and eliminate unnecessary process
  • TaskOptimize database structure for efficient data retrieval
  • KRAchieve under 1% error rate in both timeline and core list services
  • TaskImplement rigorous quality control checks for both services
  • TaskConduct regular staff training on error reduction strategies
  • TaskOptimize system software for greater accuracy and efficiency
  • KRReduce average read query time for timeline service by 50%
  • TaskUpgrade hardware for improved response time
  • TaskOptimize existing database queries for increased efficiency
  • TaskImplement caching techniques to reduce repeated queries

Microservices OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Microservices OKRs

Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

  • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
  • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
  • It will surface execution risks
  • It improves transparency and accountability

Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Microservices OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.