Service Layer adaptation may be realized through one or more adaptation rules that are programmed by server administrators in a structured but flexible manner. As part of integrating the adaptive control into its operations, a Service Layer may be configured to provide the capability to receive requests in which an adaptation rule may be specified, to provide indications through response codes returned to requestors that the Service Layer is not able to process a request due to a reduced functional state, and to send a request for more server resources or move an application, a service, or a service instance to another platform.