3 Business objectives

 

This chapter covers

  • Identifying the business justifications for starting an architecture modernization
  • Connecting architecture modernization to business growth strategies
  • Defining business and product north stars

Modernization is a significant investment in systems and operating models. To get buy-in from stakeholders and maximize return on investment, you must have a solid understanding of the business outcomes you aim to achieve and clearly articulate how investing in architecture modernization will move the business toward its strategic priorities.

Identifying the optimal level of modernization is critical to avoid wasting time and money on things that don’t move the business forward. It requires a view of the business and product strategy across multiple time horizons. By recognizing your growth strategy and how each product in your portfolio contributes to it, you can identify which areas of your architecture will truly benefit from modernization and how to modernize your architecture most effectively for your business needs.

3.1 Business justifications for architecture modernization

3.1.1 Falling behind faster-moving competitors

3.1.2 Architecture stifling business growth

3.1.3 Pursuing an exit strategy

3.1.4 Growth by acquisition

3.1.5 Poor UX holding the company back

3.1.6 Inefficient internal tooling and processes

3.1.7 Improving hiring and retention

3.2 Connecting modernization to growth strategies

3.2.1 Growth strategy: Product development

3.2.2 Growth strategy: Market penetration

3.2.3 Growth strategy: Market development