Web Frameworks, API-Driven Development, or Microservices – There’s More Than One Way To Modularize Your Monolith.
Valued Expertise Since 1991
Design – Architecture – Development – QA – Delivery – Deployment
The Big Question Is, “How Modular Should You Make Your Monolith?”
Understanding Your Options Helps Us Understand Your Requirements
2-Tier Web Framework
A traditional web framework is considered a 2-tier architecture (client side and server side) and is like a box of tinker toys and the fastest way to develop software. It’s a piece of software that supports the development of the front end (client-side) and back end (server-side) web application software, including web services, resources, and APIs, that run on the web. A web framework helps you with your code based on your task, simplifying the development process. This architecture and application framework have several advantages, including reliability and reduced errors, easier maintenance, and faster development. And often the deciding factor, and because of all these pre-developed pieces, it is a cheaper way to build. The disadvantage is that web frameworks are typically monolithic and have limitations when customization is required. A 2-tier architecture can also see a decrease in performance when many users rely on the application at the same time. These are important factors to be aware of when deciding on a direction.
3-Tier or Modular Architecture
The concept of modular architecture is not new, but the idea of simply breaking up a system into a few parts, or tiers and layers, can be overlooked with the hype of new trigger words, like microservices and API-Driven development. However, in all cases, understanding all the elements within your architecture is critical regardless of which format you select for your transformation. The key is to define where the monolith can be separated naturally. Of course, this is easier said than done, but doing so will be the first step no matter how far you take the modular architecture design unless you’re starting from scratch. If this direction is best for your company, identify natural breaks within the system that suit your purposes and lead to a good solution. You may be surprised that modifying your monolithic system into a few parts can make it look much smaller, more manageable, and more scalable, opening up development to smaller teams that are not so reliant on each other.
“Tier” vs. “Layer” — The terms “Tier” and “Layer” are often used interchangeably because they denote a physical separation within the software. However, there is an important difference. A “Layer” is a functional separation of code within the software, but layers are found within “Tiers.” For example, a 2-Tier architecture (or client-server architecture) is typically made up of one Tier holding the UI layer (known as the client-side/front end) and a second tier holding a business logic layer and a database layer (or server-side/back end). A “Tier,” although also a physical separation, contains one or more layers, like a Ukrainian nesting doll – the Tier is the outside container that holds all the “layers” together and allows for scalability in development.
Micro-Frontend
In keeping with the modular design and development that has gripped development, micro-frontend is a front end development pattern that splits up the client-side applications into smaller units and helps with the routing of multiple front end applications. Similar to Microservices, and almost the same as 3-tier, it splits the applications up into sections (front end, back end, & Database) so multiple teams ( independently ) can work on different features and various aspects of the application at the same time, creating a more flexible, end-to-end, architecture.
API-Driven Architecture
Another form of modularity that has gained popularity is using an Application Programming Interface, or API, as the foundation of the architecture. Separating the front and back ends from the framework eliminates the dependencies between the two and allows you to connect and disconnect at will without impacting other areas. by uncoupling the front and back Agile/DevOps/CI/CD methodologies can thrive. No longer does one development team have to keep track of everything. Instead, smaller, more agile teams specializing in different technologies can be deployed. In addition, technologies that could not be used before can now be considered. Indeed, there are pros and cons to be aware of when moving to an API-Driven architecture from an existing monolith. For example, it is more expensive than a web framework model. However, when done correctly, the higher initial costs are offset by the benefits gained through flexibility and the ability to select technologies that may have a deeper pool of developers in a tight market.
Microservices
Microservices is often referred to as the peak of modularity, and this may be the case. Still, microservices can also become so big and unwieldy that they create an issue in manageability and cost. For this reason, plan and document as you go along so this does not happen. The benefits are also similar to an API-Driven architecture, where smaller teams can work on different services without impacting other areas of the enterprise. Microservices does exactly what it says, taking tasks and turning them into micro-sized loosely coupled services connected by lightweight protocols (a loosely used term often used with APIs as well). We won’t detail the elements of the process here but know that multiple technologies can be used, and we can help you assess and determine the best way forward or assist your team with experienced on-demand co-development.
What Is The Difference Between an API & Protocol?
For more detail on this link: “API vs. Protocol”
Where Should You Start?
Assess Your Monolith With Great Detail – Tech to Business
Do a detailed assessment of your architecture and consider all aspects of the business.
The first thing to do is have someone in your organization who can candidly detail your current architecture and define a way forward that fits your business. The assessment should consider all aspects of your IT structure, technology, and enterprise expectations, including a roadmap for short-term adjustments and long-term goals. It should also outline current resources, required resources to succeed, and areas needing temporary injections of expertise. Breaking apart a monolith is a big step and requires detailed planning, but in the end, it affords a structure that can react to requests and changes much more quickly.
Monolithic to Modular - What's Best For Your Company
Once your detailed assessment is complete, your migration begins from a monolithic system to a lighter-weight collection of autonomous services.
As the modules are identified and the decoupling process begins, we help you decompose applications by business capabilities, subdomains, technology & services. During this time, consider refactoring outdated applications or services that do not have natural separation points but should be separated into more agile modules. This is also an excellent time to consider your workflows and eliminate manual processes with updated process automation and intelligent data collection.
Intertech supports your team in modularization, API, and microservices development.
You Are Not Limited In Your Technology Selection
We can provide an outside perspective when working with these technologies!
Microservices — .NET | .NET Core | ASP.NET
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Frameworks – Modularization – API-Driven – Microservices
If you are a .NET-based company, know that Microsoft and Intertech have you covered. Whether working with an ASP.NET Core Web API format or .NET and Docker containers, Microsoft has taken microservices to the level you need to make it all come together.
Click here for Microsoft’s ASP.NET Microservices Overview: Microservices with .NET
Microservices — C# - Java - Go - Javascript - Python & More
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Frameworks – Modularization – API-Driven – Microservices
You can modularize or build out your microservices with almost any programming language. The bigger question comes in when you look at what is best for your company, which languages have the most robust library and tool sets, and the availability and learning curve for the selected technology, especially in this competitive IT market. Some of the languages we find most used for actual manageable business projects fall into the ones listed above. However, each has its pros and cons that must be considered.
Listed below are a few languages we are often tasked to use when supporting our partners
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Java – Java has a history and is the number 1 language used with microservices. It has a wide range of libraries and frameworks that can be relied upon, and it provides good access to support. However, something to consider is resource consumption issues can show up during execution. Make sure to weigh all pros and cons before selecting any technology.
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C# – C# is one that we find used in many projects. Perfect for your .NET company, it works with other languages that support .NET, works with Visual Basic’s integrated development environment, many turn-key products, and has excellent documentation, not to mention the investment of Microsoft behind it, so it will continue to be supported and evolve well into the future. On the other hand, there is some dependency on the Windows platform though more cross-platform products are constantly being released, especially with Blazor and WebAssembly.
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Go – We have recently seen more projects in Go/GoLang, though it is a young language. The pros and cons are that all components are open source, which can lead to security issues. The offset and the reason it is growing in popularity is that it’s a simple language. Along with its simplicity and ease of use, Go has several advantages, from a wide selection of utilities, super fast compilation, and easy integration with Kubernetes (which is developed with GoLang), so Dockers is a snap. This is a language to consider, but make sure you can find quality resources that know it – this can be a struggle, though it is changing all the time.
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JavaScript – the second most used in a long list of options. Just in that statement, it tells you it is probably a good solution. One reason it’s a solid option is that Node.js uses an event-driven architecture, is fast, scalable, and easy to maintain. Unfortunately, Node.js’ performance can be reduced with heavy computational tasks, has no library support, and can have issues with its API. All in all, a definite language to consider with proven developer availability.
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Python – Number three on that list in popularity for microservices is Python. Another general-purpose programming language that first appeared in 1991 and works on multiple platforms. A language to consider but worth noting is that speed can suffer due to it being an interpreted language that generates non-machine code on execution. Because of Dynamic typing, errors made during compilation may appear during runtime, leading to added work to resolve. Once again, it is well used and a solution you may be considering that works in many cases.
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TypeScript, Haskell, Swift, Rust, & Others – There are plenty of options for the languages you can choose, but there are also pros and cons that should be weighed, from the pool size of developers when hiring to security and support. However, once your modular architecture is in place, it is nice to know that a modular foundation, when done correctly, can allow you to select the right language for the right task and connect and disconnect at will without impacting the rest of the system.
Speak with one of our field experts if you have questions. We are here to help.
API Languages
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Frameworks – Modularization – API-Driven – Microservices
You can use almost any language for your APIs, but in most cases, you’ll select the one you’ve been using for other project areas, or your internal team is built around. However, pivoting to new technology is one thing. It is more important to determine the type of API you need, like Web, Local, or Program, and what purpose it will serve, from Remote Procedure Call (RPC), like JSON-RPC or XML-RPC, or SOAP or REST.
We won’t go into each of these in detail, but know that if you are questioning any of these items, we can help sort it out and make sense of it all.
We Begin With Everything Necessary To Ensure The Project Team Is Complete
The discovery stage is crucial when setting up the correct team to deliver your project successfully. At times this has been completed before our introduction to the project. In these cases, you may have determined that you only need specific roles added to your project teams, and that is just one way we can help augment your team. Other times clients ask us to take on this role to get an expert outside perspective. Either way, this phase is essential and must be considered to be confident that you have the right talent in place and that what you are building or modifying integrates with your existing system.
Tools & Techniques We Employee:
- Scope Detailing
- Analysis
- Technical Evaluation
- Initial Requirements Defined
- Define Delivery Strategy and Roadmap
- Leveling Workshops (For Your FTE Team-Members – As Needed)
Building A Strong Foundation Is The Key To Success
Converting your vision into reality requires a clear picture of requirements and the experience necessary to set a strong foundation for your new reality. Using the Software Rrequirements Analysis, the design phase encompasses how the application and users interact with each other, with the current infrastructure, and with other applications. In addition, this phase deals with architecture and UI/UX, so all the elements come together seamlessly.
Areas Considered During The Design Phase:
- Infrastructure
- Architecture
- User Interface & Experience Design
- Usability Testing
We Ensure All The Pieces Are In Place For A Successful Composition
When selecting your team, we ensure it fits your needs, not ours. Of course, top talent is a key to our success, but a proper blend is a formula for project success. At Intertech, we specialize in talent that does more than heads-down programming, but we also understand not everyone on the team needs to be a senior or billing every hour of the day. So, using what we learned in stage one and how stage two comes together, we define your team and estimate the timeline, making sure to keep you updated every step, so there are no surprises.
Areas Considered In The Build Phase:
- Technical Requirements
- Timeline
- Development
- Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing
- Incrememntal Product Release (Faster to Market)
- Refinement & Deployment
We Ensure All The Pieces Are In Place For A Successful Composition
Following the final release, we make sure you are in control. Whether you keep us around as a trusted partner or have us hand it off to your team, we understand that a solid knowledge base is one of the most important aspects of a project. Therefore, following deployment and before we hand over the keys, we always include 30 days of monitoring and mentoring to ensure a smooth roll-off and that your internal team is in control.
Areas Considered In The Completion Phase:
- Support & Lifecycle
- Documentation
- Knowledge Base Retention
- Team Roll-Off
Our Dedicated IT Recruiting Department Augments Our Consulting Services Perfectly
If you trust your project and recruitment to someone, wouldn’t it be wise to select a firm with a proven record since 1991, helping major companies like GE Healthcare, NASA, Best Buy, and others modernize or pivot to new technologies? Utilizing a proven formula that combines world-class software development, hands-on education and mentoring, and dedicated IT recruiting, Intertech’s clients have found success building software while building their in-house team for the long haul.
Areas Considered In The Recruit & Hire Phase:
- Ad Placement
- Technical Testing
- Personality Assessment
- Technical Team Interview
- Hand-off To You For Internal Assessment
We create business software using proven technologies & languages!
We Help You Make Sense Of These Business Technologies
You’ve been in the business long enough to know that you should always consider your options when selecting a technology for an upgrade or pivoting to a new one. Our senior staff specializes in staying up-to-date and injecting the field-proven experience every project needs to succeed.
We provide an outside perspective and proven expertise in these technology areas!
.NET | .NET Core
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Modernization & New
Frameworks – APIs – Microservices
Whether dealing with a legacy system or considering a transformation to an entirely new solution within or outside .NET, helping you selecting the correct path and supporting your development teams is at our core. Our field-tested senior staff can help you (1) evaluate your options (2) identify the most up-to-date and budget-centric way forward, so you get the business results you demand. Let Intertech help you begin strong and stay on schedule.
Azure – Azure – SQL Server – SQL Server, SSAS, SSIS & SSRS – .NET – .NET Framework, .NET Core, Entity Framework, .NET 5, 6, 7+, ASP.NET & Web Forms, BizTalk, C#, MVC, SharePoint Framework, LINQ, VB.NET, Visual Studio, VB.NET, Web API Framework, Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Xamarin, & More.
Java | Java Frameworks
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Modernization & New
Frameworks – APIs – Microservices
The options are comprehensive and robust, from Spring, Struts, and Hibernate to Blade, Grails, and Spark frameworks. Add the vast selection of Java Power Tools, and you have a solution that is powerful and worth an outside perspective when choosing your solution and developing for the future. Intertech’s field-tested consultants can come in and assist you get it right the first time.
Front End (Client-Side)
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Modernization & New
Frameworks – APIs – Microservices
Whether you are looking for help with the core client-side technologies, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or the popular React, Angular, Vue, TypeScript, or even the countless others that you don’t often hear about but may suit your needs better, our tenured senior consultants can help with the technologies you have already selected or provide feedback on what may be the best combination based on your needs. Intertech provides the on-demand scalability of field-tested talent when you need it.
HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, React.js, React Native, Angular, AngularJS, Vue/VueJS, Next.js, Flutter, Ionic, Swift, jQuery, and so many more.
Back End (Server-Side)
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Modernization & New
Frameworks – APIs – Microservices
Invisible to the users, what is behind the scenes makes it all work efficiently. Selecting the right tech stack with today’s API-Driven/Micro-system model requires understanding more than just one or two languages and technologies. We help you consider all your options or step in and spool up quickly on the ones your team has already begun implementing. Consider a tenured team led by full-time senior consultants or an augmented solution that brings in a talent network behind each proven leader you enlist. Intertech focuses on its people and the value they bring, so you get it right the first time.
Technologies & Frameworks – Java, JavaScript, Node.js, Go, Ruby, C#, C++, Kotlin, Rust, Scala, SQL, Spring Boot, Jango, Python, Kotlin, ASP.NET | ASP.NET Core, Express.js, Spring Boot, Django, Ruby on Rails (RoR), and NestJS.
Solving problems that impact business, from legacy software modernization to process automation.
We Help You Improve Your Business Processes
Every company can use an experienced perspective and a helping hand from time to time. Intertech’s senior team has it extended for the times when you need help pivoting to new technology, strengthening your team, and ensuring your goals are met on time and on budget. When over 60% of projects fail, getting it right the first time is always cheaper and can build a reputation faster than almost anything.
Get it right the first time in these critical business areas!
Custom Software Development
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
CI/CD – Agile – DevOps – Rapid Application Development
Modernization & New
At our core, Intertech’s Custom Agile-based software development consulting services combine everything you need from complete senior-led teams & co-development expertise that strengthens your internal team from the beginning to deployment.
The Primary Technology Areas We Deliver To Our Customers
Cloud – Azure & AWS – SQL Server – SQL Server, SSAS, SSIS & SSRS – .NET – .NET Framework, .NET Core, Entity Framework, .NET 5, 6, 7+, ASP.NET & Web Forms, BizTalk, C#, MVC, SharePoint Framework, LINQ, VB.NET, Visual Studio, VB.NET, Web API Framework, Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Xamarin, & More – Java – Spring, Struts, Hibernate, Grails, GWT, Blade & other Lightweight Frameworks – Java Power Tools – Unit, NetBeans, Maven, Jenkins, Spring Boot & Security, Spark and many of the 100+ others as needed – Front End (Client-Side) – HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, React.js, React Native, Angular, AngularJS, Vue/VueJS, Next.js, Flutter, Ionic, and others – Back End (Server-Side) – Java, JavaScript, Node.js, Go, Ruby, C#, C++, Kotlin, Rust, Scala, SQL, Spring Boot, ASP.NET, Jango, Python, ASP.NET Core, Express.js, Spring Boot, Django, Ruby on Rails (RoR), and NestJS.
Legacy System Assessments & Modernization
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Architecture Assessments
Monolithic System Alternatives
Eliminate Hidden Costs and Manual Error
You know when it’s time to upgrade, but with the speed of technology change, you may need an experienced outside perspective, assessment, or a hand in development if those decisions have already been made. No matter what the case, Intertech can help you modernize your applications and architecture, ensuring that you consider all automation and data collection options that are becoming the standard.
Business Process Optimization & Automation (BPA)
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Available During The Modernization & New Creation Process
Eliminate Manual Processes & Errors
Eliminate Employee Stress and Improve Retention
Repetitive manual errors should be a thing of the past. If it is time to implement intelligent technology-enabled automation that streamlines and automates complex workflows, consider bringing on one or more of our senior consultants to assist. You will realize efficiencies that save you resources, retain your talent by lowering stress, and put the onus on us to ask the hard questions that need to be asked. In addition, this is the time to eliminate spreadsheets, so your data is instantly available for generating reports, forecasts, and predictions.
Architecture – Monolith to Modularization
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Multiple Technologies – Based On Your System & Preference
Frameworks – APIs – Microservices
There are many levels of modularity, but in the end, the deconstruction of your monolithic system structures your applications as a collection of loosely coupled services that link together and allow independent updating, scalability, and advancements, along with the ability to select alternative codes and languages that suit the purpose rather than the framework. Just imagine all the doors opening with a new, more flexible model.
Web Frameworks – 2-Tier or 3-Tier Architecture
Design – Architecture – Delivery & Development – QA Testing – Deployment
Full-Stack | Multiple Tier Development
Modular | API-Driven Development | Microservices
The fastest way to build an application is by using a web framework that is proven and supported. Whether you have already selected your technologies or would like an outside opinion that can evaluate your needs and offer suggestions, our experts can help. Field-tested and proven at heading off challenges that may add costs and delay your launch, Intertech’s full-time staff are here to assist.
Our Proven Development Process
We are a certified Microsoft Gold Partner and member of the AWS Partner Network.
We Help You Integrate Onto The Cloud
Eliminating infrastructure and outsourcing your service and support has become the way forward for many companies. Allowing Intertech to assist with the tools and technologies that work best with this process is the next step in getting it right. Whether you are considering going all in or using a hybrid model, ensuring your data and applications function as one is the difference between operational efficiency and wondering what went wrong.
We are Microsoft and AWS partners and can help you integrate your system correctly.
Azure & AWS
Better For Remote Work – Access Files & Applications From Anywhere
Easier to Scale With Business Growth
Part Of A Proven System That Is Maintained & Updated For You
It is essential to understand the differences between the wide range of choices you have and the leaders of the pack; Azure, AWS, and GCP. For example, one of the key differences between Azure and AWS is how they deal with temporary storage. Azure is based on page and block storage “Blobs” for virtual memory and object storage. At the same time, AWS assigns temporary storage during the instance and then deletes the data when the instance is terminated. So much to consider. Let Intertech experts help you evaluate which is best for your long-term needs or help you integrate into the one already selected.
On your next project, consider injecting proven full-time expertise backed by a network of colleagues with senior skills and an extensive knowledge base instead of a VMS-selected heads-down contractor that fits their price structure rather than what defines your reputation. Intertech focuses on its people and the value they bring to all our clients so you get it right the first time.