A unified application profile model for microservices-based applications in the cloud-edge computing continuum

The dynamic and distributed nature of the Cloud Edge Computing Continuum (CECC) necessitates innovative approaches to application profiling for microservices-based applications. Existing application profiling approaches typically address only isolated aspects, such as user behavior, system performance, or data interactions. Moreover, many rely on static representations that cannot adapt to real-time changes. These problems make it harder to manage resources properly, meet SLA requirements, and handle the full lifecycle of modern distributed applications. This paper presents a Unified Application Profile Model (APM) Template, which integrates microservices, application consumers, and data sources to create a comprehensive and adaptable model tailored for CECC environments. The proposed APM provides a formal structure, defined using OWL (Web Ontology Language), ensuring precise representation of application components and their interrelationships. This formalization aids in understanding and managing the unique challenges of CECC, including dynamic resource allocation, latency sensitivity, and scalability. Key findings demonstrate how this APM surpasses traditional profiling approaches by unifying critical application dimensions and addressing CECC-specific demands. The template sets the foundation for future research into practical implementations, including integration strategies and dynamic adaptability, positioning the APM as a significant step forward in enabling efficient and sustainable application lifecycle management for CECC environments.