Serverless architecture is a cloud computing model where developers focus on writing code while the cloud provider manages the infrastructure, offering advantages such as reduced latency, automated scaling, and simplified code maintenance. Serverless functions, which are single-purpose and event-driven, allow for efficient and cost-effective deployment of code without the need for infrastructure management, making them popular for automating workflows and reducing hosting costs. They are often compared to microservices, which offer benefits like improved code maintainability and enhanced developer experience by allowing teams to work independently on distinct parts of an application. Functions-as-a-Service (FaaS) platforms, like AWS Lambda and PubNub, provide these serverless capabilities with varying features and cost structures, catering to different use cases such as real-time applications or complex computations. While large cloud providers offer scalable solutions, providers like PubNub specialize in low-latency, real-time environments, making them ideal for applications requiring quick response times. When choosing a serverless provider, considerations include the specific needs of the service, supported programming languages, and security requirements.