Vercel Sandbox Adds Timeout Extension for Long-Running Tasks
Executive Summary
Vercel has launched a new `extendTimeout` method for its Sandbox product, allowing developers to programmatically extend the duration of a running sandbox instance. This feature is designed to support long-running workflows, such as chained AI agent tasks or multi-step code generation, that may exceed their initial time limit. The total possible runtime is determined by the user's plan, with Pro and Enterprise tiers supporting sessions up to five hours.
Key Takeaways
* New Method: The `extendTimeout()` method has been added to the Vercel Sandbox API.
* Core Function: It allows a running sandbox to stay active beyond its initial timeout by programmatically adding more time.
* Use Cases: Aimed at developers building workflows that require extended computation time, like chained AI tasks or complex code generation.
* Plan-Dependent Limits: The maximum runtime varies by plan:
* Hobby: Up to 45 minutes.
* Pro & Enterprise: Up to 5 hours.
* Availability: The feature is available now for all Vercel Sandbox users.
Strategic Importance
This update makes Vercel Sandbox a more robust environment for complex, stateful serverless applications, particularly in the growing AI space where task durations can be unpredictable.