Architecture

Fourteen years of challenging software deliveries form the core of ThoughtWorks' considerable expertise and strong reputation in software architecture and design. A number of ThoughtWorkers are globally-recognized leaders in architecture and design, continually challenging the status quo and helping to drive the IT industry forward.

We frequently work with clients to evaluate existing enterprise and system architectures and to help them realise full benefit from their existing and future IT investments. Our architecture service offerings include existing systems analysis and decision support, though we commonly tailor our approach to suit our customers' unique concerns and constraints.

Existing systems analysis

Systems in production can carry unexpected costs, occasionally even overwhelming the benefits promised by their seemingly neat and simple system designs. ThoughtWorks is often asked to assess and correct applications or suites that are too costly to maintain, run too slowly, or struggle to cope with current or anticipated loads.

Our architectural assessments can take the form of our QuickStart Agile analysis approach; a series of hands-on facilitated workshops which quickly clarifies business goals and technical issues, constraints, and possibilties. The format varies immensely depending on the nature of the problem, though common starting points are: integration points, layering strategy, the degree of coupling between components of the system and the degree of modularity. We will investigate testing strategy and, where applicable, development process, as well as the approach taken to the build and deployment of the system.

Our objective in these engagements is to paint as complete a picture as possible of the software and the environment in which it exists. We can then quickly and collaboratively determine the best path to making your IT investments deliver the benefits they promised.

Decision support

ThoughtWorks can also validate or establish the technical starting points for IT investments; an offering most effective in the context of other project inception activities such as requirements capture and programme or project planning. These engagements are frequently run as a precursor to a ThoughtWorks delivery project, where our expertise in software development and architecture reinforces our excellent record in delivery of complex systems.

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