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Automated testing and CI/CD pipelines dramatically improved platform stability and reliability.
Transitioning from TFS to GitHub Actions, alongside robust testing, slashed bug occurrences, enhancing user experience.
Continuous delivery practices enabled faster, more reliable releases, empowering Infonetica to respond swiftly to market demands.
Raja Prasanna - CEO, Infonetica.
Infonetica, a long-standing provider of specialised software solutions, faced a significant challenge with its legacy platform.
As a cloud-based research management solution for universities and research institutions their system, over 12 years old, had become outdated and inefficient, hindering the company's ability to innovate and respond to market demands.
The primary objective was to develop a new version of the platform (V2) that could leverage existing functionalities while overcoming the limitations of the old system (V1).
Outdated Technologies - The existing platform relied on deprecated technologies that were unreliable and difficult to maintain. This outdated infrastructure contributed to frequent system failures and limited the ability to scale or introduce new features.
Immature Technology Leadership - Historically, Infonetica had not invested adequately in technology leadership. The leadership team needed more experience and expertise to drive a modern tech transformation, leading to poor decision-making and a lack of strategic vision.
Quality and Release Issues - The platform suffered from major quality issues, with low release confidence and a slow cadence. There were no automated tests or comprehensive code reviews. The codebase was maintained in TFS, an archaic version control system that hindered efficient development practices.
Complex Domain - The platform's domain was vast and complex, making it difficult for new talent to understand and contribute effectively. This complexity posed a significant barrier to onboarding and retaining skilled professionals.
To address these challenges, our team implemented a comprehensive solution that involved modernising the existing platform and laying the groundwork for the new V2 system.
Automation and Testing - We focused on improving the quality of the existing platform by introducing automated tests. This included wrapping the monolithic architecture in automated testing protocols to ensure more consistent and reliable performance.
Codebase Transition - The team transitioned the codebase from TFS to GitHub Actions, facilitating better version control and integration with modern development tools. We also utilised Bicep for infrastructure-as-code, streamlining the deployment and management of infrastructure.
Requirements Gathering - In the initial three months, we conducted thorough requirements gathering, engaging closely with the Head of Product and other stakeholders to understand the domain deeply. This phase was crucial for identifying the core functionalities and user needs that the new platform needed to address.
Prototype Development - We built a new MVP prototype that demonstrated a modern approach to software development, incorporating advanced technologies and methodologies. This included a modern release process with continuous delivery and automation within the pipelines.
Embedding a Culture of Quality - We introduced a culture of automation and quality assurance within the teams. This involved regular coaching sessions, interactive mobbing on TDD practices, and pairing sessions to foster a collaborative and quality-focused work environment.
Training and Development - Our team led workshops on test-driven development (TDD), integration testing, and other best practices. This not only improved the technical skills of the existing team but also established a standard for future hires.
Continuous Delivery and Automation - By implementing continuous delivery, we enabled a more frequent and reliable release process. The use of modern CI/CD pipelines ensured that new features and updates could be deployed swiftly and safely.
Infra-as-Code - Leveraging Bicep for infrastructure management allowed us to maintain a consistent and replicable infrastructure setup, reducing errors and improving deployment efficiency.
The implementation of these solutions resulted in significant improvements across various metrics:
The introduction of automated tests and a robust CI/CD pipeline led to a dramatic reduction in production incidents, decreasing by 75%. This improvement significantly increased the reliability and user trust in the platform.
The legacy system saw an increase in test coverage from 0% to 13%, intending to reach 35% within six months. The new V2 system achieved full test coverage, ensuring that all parts of the codebase were tested and verified.
Advised and assisted in hiring a full-time CTO with extensive experience in managing large-scale technical transformations - dedicated leadership to drive technical initiatives and support the success of complex projects.
The switch from TFS to GitHub, along with automated testing, reduced the occurrence of bugs by 90%. This not only improved the user experience but also reduced the time spent on debugging and maintenance.
The adoption of continuous delivery practices allowed for more frequent releases, improving the platform's responsiveness to market needs and customer feedback.
The transformation project at Infonetica was not just a technical overhaul but also a critical turning point for the company's internal culture.
Before the project, the company was hindered by a top-down management style that often left engineers feeling undervalued and pressured.
The focus was primarily on quick fixes rather than sustainable, long-term improvements. This approach created a tense work environment where the fear of failure overshadowed innovation and growth.
The comprehensive changes implemented during the project laid the groundwork for a more open, supportive, and progressive company culture, fostering an atmosphere where continuous learning and quality became the norm.
The introduction of metrics dashboards provided clear visibility into code quality and team performance. This transparency helped build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
The focus on training and skill development empowered the engineering team to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence. The non-negotiable requirement for testing and quality assurance became ingrained in the team's workflow.
The reduction in pressure from management and the emphasis on collaboration created a more positive and productive work environment. The team felt supported and motivated, leading to higher job satisfaction and better overall performance.
This comprehensive transformation project not only modernised the Infonetica platform but also established a strong foundation for future growth and innovation.
The combination of technical improvements and cultural shifts ensured a sustainable and scalable solution, positioning Infonetica for long-term success in a competitive market.
Tackling legacy systems isn’t just about upgrading technology, it’s about reigniting what your business is capable of.
Infonetica’s journey shows that with the right approach, even the most complex challenges can become opportunities for growth and innovation.
If this story resonates with your own challenges, let’s explore what transformation partnership with Build Circle could look like for you.
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