Architecture Modernization: Aligning Software, Strategy & Structure • Nick Tune • GOTO 2024

Architecture modernization requires balancing multiple aspects: software/tech, business strategy, team structure, and organizational change

Key success factors in the first 3-6 months:

• Deliver concrete improvements to build trust
• Focus on listening and understanding stakeholder needs
• Map current state and desired future state
• Identify the 20% of system that needs modernization vs 80% that can remain
• Build alignment through collaborative workshops

Tools recommended for modernization planning:

• Event storming to map business processes
• Wardley mapping to understand component evolution
• Impact mapping to connect business objectives to technical changes
• Process modeling to design future state

Architecture Modernization Enabling Team (AMET) should:

• Have strong technical and coaching skills
• Help identify and remove modernization barriers
• Support teams in making progress
• Focus on sustainable long-term improvements

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Trying to modernize everything at once
• Not completing modernization efforts
• Focusing only on technical aspects
• Ignoring business strategy alignment
• Making people feel bad about current solutions

Success requires:

• Clear link between business strategy and modernization
• Domain-aligned architecture
• Empowered teams
• Balance between new features and modernization work
• Concrete steps and ownership for implementation

Modernization drivers include:

• Competitive pressure from newer companies
• Changed business requirements
• Technical debt slowing development
• Need for faster innovation
• System complexity and maintenance costs

Workshop recommendations:

• In-person sessions when possible
• Mix of business and technical stakeholders
• Focus on concrete outcomes and next steps
• Use visual collaboration tools
• Build shared understanding of current/future state