Context. Re-architecting monolithic systems with Microservices-based
architecture is a common trend. Various companies are migrating to
Microservices for different reasons. However, making such an important decision
like re-architecting an entire system must be based on real facts and not only
on gut feelings. Objective. The goal of this work is to propose an
evidence-based decision support framework for companies that need to migrate to
Microservices, based on the analysis of a set of characteristics and metrics
they should collect before re-architecting their monolithic system. Method. We
designed this study with a mixed-methods approach combining a Systematic
Mapping Study with a survey done in the form of interviews with professionals
to derive the assessment framework based on Grounded Theory. Results. We
identified a set consisting of information and metrics that companies can use
to decide whether to migrate to Microservices or not. The proposed assessment
framework, based on the aforementioned metrics, could be useful for companies
if they need to migrate to Microservices and do not want to run the risk of
failing to consider some important information