Software Achitecture
Architecting IT Process
Every business is a blend of processes that must work in tandem for overall success. With companies getting larger and more fragmented in a distributed business space, the glue that binds them is information. Hence, Information systems that underlie each process must all "talk" to each other seamlessly to achieve the business goals. We at Bean Architects, architect information systems with sound foundation to enable companies to effectively synchronize business processes and information systems to optimize the operational efficiencies.
Software Architecture - A Structured Approach
Software Architecture and Re-engineering of applications can be achieved with a well-architected approach. An effective architecture aligns the technology to the business, ensures that the various components of the application work cohesively, and provides a road map for its implementation. We, at Bean Architects provide services in phases as discussed below.
Pre-Design Phase
We listen to understand the scope of the project, the client's key design points, requirements, and expectations. We also study the context of the project - the entire enterprise of which the project is a part. A design direction begins to take shape, with the architect and client, collaborating and refining their understanding until a shared vision emerges.
Domain Analysis Phase
We undertake to thoroughly understand and document the areas (domains) for which the system will be built and to learn the client requirements in detail. The desired behaviors of the system are outlined. We assess the client's business and technology environment, the interplay and define the scope of work.
Schematic design Phase
Architectural-level designs depicting the domain characteristics and technology structure are prepared. The look and feel of the system - user interface style - is designed. Prototypes are built at this point, if they are needed. Migration and risk assessments are performed.
We continue to extend the design with detailed requirements and ensure comprehensive view of the system to be developed. The client validates to see that all the stated requirements are considered. Subsequently system design and its details are documented.
Project Document Phase
Focusing on the requirements of system development team, the construction process, the roles of the team members, and the construction sequences are documented. The construction guide , user interface style guide , and test guides are identified. The document also highlights the technology tools to be used and the methodologies to be implemented during construction of the system.
Staffing and Contracting Phase
We assist in identifying the system development team according to the defined technology requirements. For projects that are outsourced, tenders are submitted to vendors and potential vendor is evaluated.
Construction Phase
We assume a supervisory role during construction ensuring that the client's requirements are understood and executed. We conduct design reviews and analyze problems and change requests. We help in incorporating the accepted change in exiting design by assessing the impact on overall design and cost.
Post Construction Phase
We supplement our services by training the end users on the use of the system built.
We can compare ourselves with typical architects of construction trade.
Structures can be assembled with sticks and stones or computer software and hardware, but the role of the architect remains the same.
Architects spend the lion's share of their time up front: listening to clients, understanding the totality of their needs and resources, scrutinizing feasibility, forming a practical vision of a structure, and creating a blueprint. As the structure is built, the architect intervenes in the client's favor, ensuring compliance to the plan and guiding the vision through the tempest of design changes, crises and ambiguities. Client advocacy is the cornerstone of the architect's role.
A lifelong mason, no matter how talented, cannot necessarily fill the role of an architect. If you have a chisel, everything tends to look like a rock.
We at Bean Architects intend to collaborate with clients organization to clearly identify the benefits of adapting software architecture approach and culminate with detailed requirements for a technology solution to realize the benefits of an effective IT strategy built around sound business model.