Architecture Review Service

Overview

The Architecture of your software and how it is deployed has a large impact on overall effectiveness and value of your business systems.  Whether you are in the initial stages of developing a new system; or your legacy application needs a refresh, Readify's expert consultants can help.  We can review your software and development architecture in the light of current best practices.

This service will highlight issues you may not have considered, giving you early warning, with both time and best practice recommendations to correct your course. Also the Architecture Review Service provides peace of mind that the best solution is being developed, especially when there is a complex set of contractual and technical interdependencies.

How it Works

Readify conducts the Review Service in four simple steps:

Phase 1 - Prepare

To ensure we can deliver the service as efficiently as possible, clients will need to prepare for the engagement in 3 key areas:

Access to Code and Systems

Provide access to application source code and any systems, including the application and interdependencies (e.g. authentication systems, network or perimeter security, third party integrated systems)

Access to Documentation

The Readify team will need copies of any system documentation that exists, even if it is out of date. This includes original and updated design documentation, any build and configuration documentation, and user operations or training manuals.

Access to Key Stakeholders

The Readify team will work with clients to identify key stakeholders from the business, user, and technical communities whom they will interview during the review. Clients will need to prepare stakeholders for interviews and schedule meetings over the duration of the review.

Phase 2 - Conduct the Review

This typically consists of a number of demos, Q&A sessions and self-guided code spelunking to see how and why things are put together the way they are. We then determine if the architecture meets the needs of the stakeholders and satisfies usual architectural concerns such as security, performance, and other principles.

We perform the following activities:

Application Walkthroughs

We recommend an initial walkthrough at the start of the review so that the review team gets a feel for how the application should work.  The team may request further walkthroughs to determine specific functionality.

Solution Architecture Review

The team will work to understand the current architecture from a software as well as an operational perspective.  In larger organisations this will also involve understanding how the reviewed application(s) fit within the larger corporate IT environment.

Specific Drill Downs

During the review the team will inspect areas of the application in detail. During drill downs the Readify team may interview the architects and developers responsible for these areas to deepen our understanding on design rationale, and build process.

Development Process

An important part of any software development includes the performance of engineering tasks and the resultant impact on the architecture implementation.  The Readify team will spend time understanding your particular software development processes and their impact.

Detailed Code Review

No matter how good the design, implementation can always let you down.  The Readify team will examine the code base of the system to determine how well the implementation supports the overall design. The team will also consider suitability for ongoing development.

Phase 3 - Consolidate

Once we have completed the review phase of the audit, the team works to consolidate findings and prepare recommendations. We usually do this off-site, but can work in an office on the client site as appropriate.

Phase 4 - Present

The service concludes with a presentation of findings, as well as any recommendations. Depending on the nature of the audit, we may recommend steps to achieve compliance to stated objectives, ways to implement best practices, or development activities to improve performance.

As well as the presentation, Readify prepares a report with all of the findings and recommendations as the final deliverable of the service.

Duration

Overall a review typically takes between 3 and 10 days, and the duration is largely dependent on the size of the application(s) being reviewed and level of depth you wish the review to be conducted at.

What You Get

Readify provides an independent and unbiased review of your architecture, including the good, the bad and the ugly. You will receive an unambiguous understanding of any issues, as well as the best practice means to address these.

We will work with you to estimate any potential work, and prioritise these recommendations, providing you with a clear architecture roadmap.

How to Engage Readify

Please call your Readify Account Manager, or our hotline, 1300 666 274, which will direct you to the local Readify team, to arrange a no obligations, free consultation to determine your particular needs.