Case Study: When Software Maintenance is Unmanageable—What’s The Fix?
ABOUT THE CLIENT:
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The Challenge
Cost and time associated with the maintenance of the client's current platform were getting out of hand and they were also concerned that a lack of consistent maintenance might be leading to security vulnerabilities.
The Solution
Our team recommended that the client rewrite their application from scratch. It was based off of an aging version of Magento that was no longer being supported and did not include the most recent security patches.
The Benefits
- Recommended key changes that would be further beneficial for their app
- Detailed reports of the code audit, including a step-by-step review of the process and a thorough opinion on the existing state of the application, plus recommended next steps.
- Estimate of what the rewrite would require
The Challenge
Faced with escalating costs and growing concerns about the security of their current platform, the client found themselves at a crossroads. The maintenance expenses had become unsustainable, and there was a growing fear that neglecting consistent upkeep might expose the system to potential security vulnerabilities.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, the client sought a solution by turning to Softjourn, a technology consulting firm known for its expertise in software development and technical assessments.
In their pursuit of a remedy, the client decided to engage Softjourn for a comprehensive code audit and technical assessment.
This strategic move aimed to dive deep into the intricacies of the existing codebase, shedding light on its current state and identifying the root causes of the maintenance challenges.
The primary objective was to gain a clear understanding of the platform's condition and to formulate a well-informed course of action to address the client's pressing maintenance issues. This collaborative effort between the client and Softjourn marked the beginning of a thorough code assessment that would lay the groundwork for future updates.
The Solution
The preparation for the code audit included answering the following questions:
- Has the core code been modified? Would those modifications cause problems with upgrades? Is the core code's version out of date?
- What modules are included, and of what type: off-the-shelf, homemade, etc.? Will they cause issues with upgrades?
- What does the frontend consist of? Is it custom?
- Is the database heavily customized? If so, will that cause core code upgrade issues?
- Is the system configured correctly? Are there other foundational setup conflicts?
The Benefits
In the end, we recommended that the client rewrite their application from scratch. It was based on an aging version of Magento that was no longer being supported and did not include the most recent security patches.
Updating this core code would render existing modules, whether off-the-shelf or custom, obsolete and require either an update or replacement. This rewrite wouldn't just resolve their maintenance issues but also support future build-out of the system. It would also resolve the client’s security concerns.
Our assessment of the system provided our client with the following benefits:
- Deeper understanding of what they had on hand and solid reasoning for a recommended path forward.
- Recommended key changes that would be further beneficial for their app, including UX enhancements, streamlining checkout, and more.
- Detailed reports of the code audit, including a step-by-step review of the process and a thorough opinion on the existing state of the application plus recommended next steps.
- Estimate of what the rewrite would require, including our recommended technologies that would offer long-term benefits.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to enlist Softjourn for a code audit and technical assessment reflects the client's commitment to addressing the mounting challenges associated with their current platform.
This strategic partnership underscores the importance of proactive measures in technology management. The assessment helped to alleviate immediate maintenance concerns but was also a pivotal step towards fortifying the platform against potential security risks.
Through this collaborative effort, the client is taking a proactive stance in ensuring the long-term viability and stability of their software system. As the evaluation unfolds, it is anticipated that Softjourn's findings and recommendations will pave the way for targeted interventions, setting the client on a path toward a more flexible and safe platform.
The client received all the information they needed to make go/no-go decisions regarding a rewrite, as well as an understanding of what technologies would benefit their application and their business in the long run.
If you are interested in a code audit or a technical assessment - contact us.
Partnership & Recognition
