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
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!
1. OKRs 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
- Deploy service in pre-production environment
- Develop finance module as a standalone service
- Extract finance module from existing monolith architecture
- KREnsure stability and correctness by achieving 100% pass rate on all post-migration tests
- Develop a comprehensive post-migration test plan
- Execute test plan and identify any defects
- Resolve defects to achieve 100% pass rate
- KRDesign and document new microservice architecture by end of month one
- Write comprehensive documentation on design and implementation
- Develop design blueprints for the microservice architecture
- Identify key components needed for new microservice architecture
2. OKRs 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
- Record and resolve any occurring downtime issues
- Monitor and maintain a 98% uptime
- Set up new architecture in a test environment
- KRDevelop and document a detailed migration plan by week 4
- Begin drafting migration plan documentations
- Determine the timeline and needed resources
- Identify applications, services and data for migration
- KRSuccessfully migrate 75% of application modules to microservices architecture
- Prioritize modules based on dependencies and business needs for migration
- Begin progressive implementation of migration, monitoring progress continuously
- Develop a comprehensive microservices migration strategy and blueprint
3. OKRs 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
- Identify monolithic components viable for redesign into microservices
- Implement and test newly created microservices
- Develop microservices replacing identified monolithic components
- KRAchieve 90% functionality in new services, ensuring business continuity without interruptions
- Implement regular maintenance and updates schedule
- Develop comprehensive testing procedures for new services
- Initiate contingency planning for potential disruptions
- KRTrain 75% of the software team in modular programming languages for maintenance
- Schedule and implement comprehensive training sessions
- Evaluate and measure progress after training
- Identify team members lacking modular programming skills
4. OKRs 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
- Implement a caching system to speed up read queries
- Refactor code for efficiency and eliminate unnecessary process
- Optimize database structure for efficient data retrieval
- KRAchieve under 1% error rate in both timeline and core list services
- Implement rigorous quality control checks for both services
- Conduct regular staff training on error reduction strategies
- Optimize system software for greater accuracy and efficiency
- KRReduce average read query time for timeline service by 50%
- Upgrade hardware for improved response time
- Optimize existing database queries for increased efficiency
- Implement 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.
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.
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