Software architecture consulting
What should change—and what supports that decision?
An application that is difficult to change does not automatically need a rebuild. A slow workflow does not automatically need more infrastructure. We examine the application, data, integrations and operating environment to understand the problem. The review sets out what is known, what remains uncertain and how the available options compare.
Bring one recurring issue, an architectural concern or a proposed technology investment that needs a technical assessment.
Consulting scope
A focused review or a broader technology plan.
Define the engagement around the decision your team needs to make and the evidence required to make it.
Talk through your requirementsSoftware architecture reviews
Trace how application components, data and infrastructure work together. Identify dependencies and constraints that affect maintenance, performance or planned changes.
- Component and dependency map
- Architecture findings
- Areas needing investigation
Modernisation planning
Compare extending the current application, replacing a component or rebuilding in stages. Document the assumptions, transition work and trade-offs behind each option.
- Options and trade-offs
- Sequenced priorities
- Recommended scope
Integration planning
Define how a proposed change fits the systems already in use. Specify data flows, interface requirements and transition steps before implementation begins.
- System interface requirements
- Data flow definitions
- Transition and validation steps
Operational readiness
Establish who will run and maintain the changed system. Review monitoring, issue handling and support responsibilities as part of the implementation plan.
- Operational responsibilities
- Issue and escalation process
- Maintenance priorities
Example assessment
Investigate the bottleneck before choosing the fix.
Suppose reports take much longer to generate at month end. The review would first establish the affected requests, data volumes and conditions. It could then examine query behaviour, application processing and infrastructure usage. The findings help distinguish a targeted correction from a wider architectural change, with a way to check whether the proposed work resolves the problem.
- Define the affected operation and a useful performance measure.
- Separate observed behaviour from assumptions about its cause.
- Compare the effort, dependencies and validation needed for each option.
- DefineRecord the symptoms, business effect and review boundaries.
- ExamineInspect relevant components and available system evidence.
- CompareAssess the options and make unresolved assumptions visible.
- PlanAgree implementation priorities and how to verify the result.
Illustrative assessment. Review depth and available evidence depend on the agreed scope and access.
Consulting deliverables
Findings that lead to a defined next step.
Agree the questions, available access and expected outputs before the assessment starts.
Set the review boundaries
Identify the decision, business impact and systems involved. Confirm the documentation, code, configuration or measurements available and record any limits on the assessment.
What you leave withReview brief and information requirementsExplain the findings
Document observations and compare practical options. Explain the reasoning behind a recommendation, its dependencies and the questions that still need investigation.
What you leave withTechnical findings and option comparisonPlan the implementation
Translate the selected approach into a sequence of work, responsibilities and verification steps. Identify transition needs and the conditions for proceeding to each stage.
What you leave withPrioritised plan and acceptance criteria
What does a software architecture review cover?
The scope depends on the decision you need to make. It can cover application components, data movement, integrations, infrastructure and operational dependencies. We agree which areas to inspect and what evidence is available, then document findings, limitations and recommended next steps.
Can you help us decide whether to modernise or rebuild?
Yes. We assess the current application against the changes it needs to support. The comparison can include improving existing code, replacing specific components and a staged rebuild, considering dependencies, data transition, ongoing operations and implementation effort.
Can our team implement the recommendations?
Yes. The agreed deliverables can be prepared for your existing team, with priorities, technical requirements and validation steps. NorroSoft can also discuss implementation through its development, data and cloud services. Delivery and ongoing support require their own agreed scope.
Your next step
Bring the decision you need to make.
Describe the system, the concern and the options you are considering. We can help define the assessment that would be useful.