Enterprise architecture

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What Is Cloud Computing? What Are the Challenges Faced by the Cloud?


The word ‘cloud’ has gained significant traction over the past decade. Traditionally, businesses had on-premises architecture. This meant that all the hardware, storage, networking, and other IT assets of an organization were physically located in the organization’s premises. However, this meant that many businesses had to deal with issues related to their IT setups.

For instance, a software development company that worked on the application level was riddled with hacking attempts. As a result, instead of focusing on their core competency, the company had to focus on security solutions. With the advancement of Computer Science and IT technologies, businesses now have the option to outsource their IT requirements to a cloud computing service. So what is cloud computing?

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the sharing of a wide variety of computing resources that are located remotely. These services are offered by cloud providers. They charge a monthly or yearly fee in exchange for the required services. The word cloud here refers to the Internet through which users can access these services. This means that organizations no longer have to spend a huge sum of money on their IT assets and can focus more on their operations through the enhanced security, speed, mobility, etc.

Cloud Migration Strategies

While moving to the cloud, a number of strategies can ease the transition.

Rehosting

Rehosting means the relocation of a company’s physical servers through IaaS. This means that if a company intends to quickly migrate its systems and architecture, it can do so through rehosting. Hence, it is one of the most common strategies for companies after their management finalizes the decision to adopt the cloud. However, since it is IaaS, the company does not fully delegate its computing needs. As a consequence, OS and application level needs like patching and testing will still be the company’s responsibility.

As an example, consider a Java Spring application which was previously hosted on your Linux environment on a physical server. Now, you can utilize a cloud platform like AWS or Microsoft Azure where you can set up and customize your own Linux and Java environments. The hardware and lower level complexities and abstractions would be handled by the cloud platforms. This will remove the requirement for a physical server for your application. You will only need some modification with the DNS settings, after which your website can become live again.

Replatforming

Replatforming means that an application is upgraded from an onsite software platform to the cloud without any compromise or change in its functionality. This can include moving a RDBMS to the cloud using a database-as-a-service. Similarly, application servers can also be moved to the cloud. This can be extremely helpful in minimizing licenses fees.

For example, consider that you are paying for an application server in Java. If you will ‘re-platform’, then the cloud can run a variety of application servers like the open-source Apache Tomcat which can boost your project.

Adopting re-platforming for your business means a slower migration strategy as compared to rehosting but it offers the best of both worlds as it can strike a fine balance between rehosting and refactoring. As a result, businesses are able to profit through cloud fundamentals and cost optimization, limiting the need for the costs and resources that are needed in the refactoring strategy.

Refactoring

Traditional IT architectures and processes may have been successful earlier but today’s IT world is a different place. The changes and evolutions in development tools and technologies are occurring at a rapid pace. This means that a legacy system that was built with the best tools of its time in early-2000s will not function well with the business requirements of the present-day world.

Replatforming assists companies to reduce their expenditure without modifying their software environments and applications altogether. However, refactoring goes a step ahead. Refactoring deals with the complete transformation of business processes by using cloud-native platforms and features. Thus, the cloud controls the entire software lifecycle including development and deployment of a project.

While refactoring is slower as well as more expensive as compared to other migration strategies, it helps to shift from a monolithic architecture to a serverless one. As a result, the investment can go on to generate greater profits for a business in comparison to a business that still relies on previous IT setups.

Challenges Faced by the Cloud

Despite its benefits, cloud computing faces challenges.

Reluctance

Long before the cloud emerged as a leading technology, businesses relied on traditional IT practices. Many of these businesses were able to maintain their revenues without the need for any major IT adoption. However, with the passage of time, the computing requirements increased with the huge influx of data, and thus the previous strategy of on-premises IT architecture incurred heavy expenses. Therefore, businesses adopted the cloud, which increased their productivity.

However, not all businesses accepted the change. For non-tech savvy management, this meant a giant leap. The decision to completely revolutionize the IT structure of a company is unappealing to many and there are still businesses that are hesitant to adopt the cloud.

Service Quality

When businesses ponder over the decision to move to the cloud, they contact cloud providers for their services. These providers issue a SLA (Service Level Agreement). Some of the questions that businesses need to address in most SLAs are:

  • What are all the cloud services and features that will be provided to the business?
  • What will the provider do in case of an IT failure?
  • Will the business operations run 24/7 even in the case of an IT issue in the provider’s data center?
  • What are the cybersecurity measures for the protection of the company’s data?

Often businesses are not satisfied with the SLAs and consider them to be limited for their business requirements.

Dependability on the Internet

Since cloud services are accessible over the Internet, 24/7 connectivity is vital for smooth operation. This means that as a business goes offline, the Internet-based cloud features and services would be unavailable for the business and its clients. Thus, businesses have to make sure that their cloud provider has backup solutions that can help in the provision of continuous services.

Bandwidth Cost

With the advent of the cloud, businesses no longer have to purchase a server or spend money on the repair of their hardware. However, another cost has emerged. This cost is related to the bandwidth cost. These may be negligible with small applications but when it comes to data-intensive applications, businesses will need to increase their bandwidth expenses.

Final Thoughts

While cloud computing technology deals with a number of technologies, the selection of the appropriate cloud migration strategy can help to minimize the risks explained above and provide a much-needed boost to businesses.

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Producing High-Quality Solution Architecture


Following solution architecture may seem too intensive and time-consuming in the beginning, but the rewards of adhering to solution architecture are unlimited, which can be realized during all phases of software lifecycle as well after the post-deployment period. Solution architecture helps in incorporating industry standards in the project’s lifecycle, which can save valuable resources that may have been consumed without its use.

For example, there is a project in which a social media platform requires to be developed. Now, the IT team may choose a certain language named as A due to its ease of use and cheaper developers. The application may function well in the beginning, but as the number of profiles on the network increase, performance can be affected.

Likewise, the application also may be attacked by a DDoS attack or brute force attack where multiple security vulnerabilities can be identified.  Solution architecture can help to illustrate and understand that a language like Java can be better for scalability and security purposes, especially if the application is like a social media platform where the number of users is expected to increase with time.

A solution architecture can be seen as the blueprint of a project that can address all the considerations and requirements of the project before a line of code can be written. As a result, the IT team can streamline effectively in the production of the best possible solutions. In order to follow the best tips and practices to design a high-quality solution architecture, have a look at the following details:

Dedicated Resources for Non-Functional Requirements

Non-Functional Requirements in solution architecture involve a methodological approach for improving the “quality” in a system. Quality can refer to security, performance, accuracy, and other attributes— depending upon the project.

Sometimes non-functional requirements are not treated with the same level of attention and detail as the functional requirements. This may be practical for designing a basic web page –– making use of WordPress or JavaScripting your way out –– but projects of higher scale demand a solution architect to view non-functional requirements with better attentiveness and commitment.

Due to the lack of focus on NFRs, their technical documentation is not up to the required industry standards. Subsequently, the development team can wrongly misinterpret the Software Requirement Specification document. As a result, the project begins with the wrong step, and passing other stages of the project lifecycle may result in an irrecoverable loss— either through client dissatisfaction or through an application’s crash.

Hence, as a solution architect, you will have to ensure that the activities of NFRs –– communicating and collecting details from a client to the documentation process –– are performed adequately. As a rule of thumb, follow the software quality characters from ISO9126: functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability.

Prototyping

In most cases, an initial design can be built where the prototype can provide a peek into the operations of the application. You have to ensure that the fundamentals of the application are followed.

For instance, a client asked for a business website that sells sports equipment. Now, one of the fundamental functionality of the project includes the customer order module. This should work in the prototype rather than giving importance to components of lower priority like a feedback form or a contact page. Another object of a prototype is the selection of the right tools. This includes:

  • Deciding if a database like Oracle can be needed for the storage of data.
  • Working with multitiered applications for isolating functional requirements for working on the client tier, middle tier, and the data tier in the Spring ecosystem.

All the tools required for a project’s component can be documented with information about their versions, type of APIs, and other relevant information so that everyone in the team can have a clear perspective about the project’s toolset.

Maintainability – Making Post-Deployment Modifications Easier

You would be surprised that how commonly developers ignore the maintainability factor. Sometimes when a project starts, the application is designed and developed with timing as the driving factor behind all the hassle. After the project is successfully implemented, testing follows to match client specifications; subsequently, the project is deployed into the client’s systems.

However, later the client calls in to add a newer functionality. This functionality may be too simple, but due to the earlier negligence of the maintainability factor, it can lead on to become a major headache for software engineers. Therefore, all the efforts to save time lead to a bigger consumption of resources, where facing the client criticism furthers lowers the morale of the entire team.

Businesses prefer solutions that could be maintained easily by either the in-house IT team or a third-party provider –– other than the software provider. Hence, maintainability is mandatory for solution architecture where it can be adhered to in the software practices, patterns, and designs. Maintainability can also be incorporated through specific tools that can restrict a developer in the submission of an unmaintainable piece of code.  A solution architect has to ensure that the maintainability standards are documented and confirmed by the team.

Collaboration

Suppose you handle a project where you:

  • Compile a list of non-functional requirements.
  • Highlight the key features for a prototype.
  • Mention the use of maintainable code through a specific tool.

But what if your team does not follow it or is not experienced enough to understand it?

An application can be as good as its developers. Documenting and formulating guidelines for a solution is one thing; having them followed by the developers is another. The input of the software development team is necessary. They have to be involved in the planning and analysis of both functional and non-functional requirements. Likewise, the decision to use a new tool can also be agreed upon through coordination.

If a developer is inexperienced with writing maintainable code, then training and workshops can be arranged for the promotion and adoption of the best architectural tools, practices, and patterns.

Likewise, confidence is the key. You should know the strength and weaknesses of each member so that you know where they should be trusted with complete faith for the design and development of any module of the application.

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Enterprise Architecture as a Service


Enterprise software development is loaded with a plethora of tools where the IT think-tank scratches their heads in order to analyze and pick the right tool that can pass the test of time. In projects where the scope of a domain is not too high, too much planning and analysis are not taken seriously as the code-base can be changed frequently due to the project size. The code is not written in accordance with the best software engineering principles and practices as their optimal benefit cannot be understood in smaller applications.

However, the development of big enterprise project cannot take such liberties where a little mismanagement in the design may result in a catastrophe of greater proportions. It may end in millions for damages. Likewise, the right architecture for an enterprise application carries a greater degree of responsibility. An Enterprise Architecture is a methodological outlook that involves the following:

  • Management of different human and IT assets for maximum output.
  • The type of methods used.
  • System functionalities.

Traditionally, Enterprise Architecture has assisted a leadership in finding loopholes in enterprise domain business processes of IT infrastructure and has proved critical in the expansion of domain business. Hence, EA has been highly significant in the optimization and modernization of business processes. However, times are changing and EA’s shortcomings are becoming more noticeable to the industry experts.

Need for Enterprise as a Service

The major problem with an Enterprise Architecture is its lack of feasibility for SMEs –– domains on a smaller scale find it harder to have dedicated enterprise architect, They prefer architects who are specialized in a domain. Last year a study shed light on EA professionals –– the demand of EA professionals rose by 26 percent. With such demands, the enterprise faces a certain challenge: impracticality of hiring full-time EA professionals. A new model has emerged that addressed such concerns. It is called Enterprise architecture as a Service.

Understanding Enterprise Architecture-as-a-Service

The concept behind EAaaS is not dissimilar to other “as­-a-service” model where a specific set of domain business activities and tasks are given to one centralized group of the Enterprise architect. EAaaS denotes all the planning, analysis, and architectural management to that centralized group. So, how exactly is EAaaS bridging the gap for costs?

Domains do not require assistance for their architectures on a 24/7-basis. Therefore, especially for SMEs, an EA professional may not be of use all the time and they can work on other projects. This is where EAaaS makes the biggest impact. In EAaaS, only the consulting required for any EA consulting or service has to be paid. As a result, domains drive out the same value in minimized costs.

Difference between Enterprise Architecture and Enterprise Architecture as a Service

 

Deliverables

When EA and EAaaS are looked side-by-side, deliverability matters. EAaaS denotes to an approach to streamline all the production processes so a high-quality and fully structured system can be developed. EAaaS does not entail vague promises and definitions where a domain business’ integration with IT tools and systems can be deployed through the practicality of each solution.

Mindset

The general mindset of IT leadership refers to a unique approach where deliverables are taken into account in the post-completion of EA. In Enterprise Architecture as a Service, results are generated and provided with the help of services that remain available in the entire production life cycle. Hence, Enterprise Architecture as a Service incorporates results during its entire process –– as opposed to the Enterprise Architecture strategy in which results are created in the end.

Realistic Expectations

Expectations play a great role in the software lifecycle. When domains use Enterprise Architecture, there is a sense of uncertainty about what exactly can be made and how it can be made. Presentations and visualization of IT goals is another thing, and transforming it into a reality for a practical use case is a far greater challenge. For instance, if an EA is being developed for a specific goal, then the required funds may not be collected, resulting in the loss of confidence for the stakeholders.

The important questions are:

  • How exactly is your EA making a difference?
  • How does it solve a problem in comparison with your rivals?
  • Where do you see your solution after a certain time period like a year?

Today, enterprise architecture is being misused by enterprises where the lack of vision is apparent as the maximum output in each phase is not achieved. Some organizations eye compliance when enablement possesses greater significance. Additionally, modern changes to the systems cannot be carried out.

With the service-based model of EA, the game changes where enablement is prioritized in conjunction with necessary changes.

Advantages of Enterprise as a Service

EAaaS is beneficial due to the following advantages.

Accessibility

The fact that a common party manages the EA brings out a common question, “How are we going to access and communicate with the required services, tools, and architects?” The adoption of an EAaaS does not in any way sacrifice accessibility. EAaaS components provide ease-of-access with user-friendly interfaces — including both the automated and human ones.

Modularity

Modular development is necessary. The benefits of modularity may not be too visible in smaller applications, but they are highly beneficial in enterprise development. EAaaS supports modularity, which means that any domain component or process can be updated or changed without any impact on the rest of the system.

Reusability

Similar to modularity, reusability is a necessary ingredient in any software architecture. Reusability refers to repeating pre-existing IT assets. EAaaS brings reusability to the scene, which can quicken the development lifecycle.

Flexibility

Flexibility refers to the dynamic quality of architectural design. Some situations require heavy changes in the code-base and architectural design where lack of flexibility consumes considerable time.

Portability

Portability relates to the use of architecture’s components to be deployed for other applications. EAaaS helps to port specific modules of a system to a different system, which can increase the pace of deliverables.

Due to the above-mentioned advantages, applications built using EAaaS can be fast-tracked and deployed timely, making it possible to meet all the project deadlines. Likewise, software engineering’s core principles and approaches can be followed in their full spirit and can help in the crafting of high-quality code.