AWS Lambda has evolved significantly as a serverless platform, introducing new capabilities and performance enhancements that reduce the need for deploying full virtual machines or clusters. One notable improvement is the introduction of AWS Lambda SnapStart, which addresses cold start latency issues, particularly in Java-based functions, by using a snapshot of the function's fully-initialized execution environment. This results in up to a 10x improvement in startup performance without additional costs or significant code changes. SnapStart utilizes Firecracker MicroVM snapshots to store the memory and disk state, allowing for rapid environment resumption. However, developers must consider specific requirements, such as ensuring unique random numbers and managing network connections and ephemeral data. The Pulumi team demonstrated that SnapStart significantly reduces cold start times, making Lambda functions more responsive and expanding their applicability. Overall, these advancements make serverless computing via AWS Lambda a more compelling option for modernizing infrastructure while maintaining responsiveness.