Which factor enhances scalability in Guidewire applications?

Implementing microservices architecture enhances scalability in Guidewire applications by allowing the application to be broken down into smaller, independently deployable services. Each microservice can be developed, tested, and deployed independently while communicating through well-defined APIs. This modularity allows for horizontal scaling, where individual services can be scaled up or down based on demand without affecting the entire application. Additionally, this approach enables teams to work on different services simultaneously, improving development agility and operational efficiency.

In contrast, using a single monolithic service tends to create bottlenecks, as the entire application needs to be scaled as one unit. Maintaining legacy systems can hinder scalability due to their inherent limitations and complexity, making it challenging to adapt to new business needs. Finally, minimizing the use of external services may limit functionality and could lead to performance issues, as external services can provide specialized capabilities that enhance a system's efficiency and scalability.