Management Strategies

Most relevant for 🔥 Advisors

By implementing the following recommendations, technical planning and engineering management processes can benefit from the strengths and avoid the pitfalls identified in the architecture audits we completed. This approach leads to more secure, reliable, and sustainable systems.

Avoid the need for extensive customization

Some solutions require significant customization to fit defined needs, introducing potential risks and complexities. Prioritize solutions that align with your specific requirements to minimize the need for extensive modifications.

In some cases, fully custom solutions are needed, and in that case, solutions such as Assessment 2: The Open Platform or Assessment 3: The Custom Software Development Kit, may be required.

Ensure adequate expertise and resources for complex systems

Some solutions’ complexity demands specialized expertise for effective management and maintenance. Allocate the necessary resources and expertise to support the implementation and ongoing operation of such systems.

Consider the total cost of ownership

Some solutions do not have licensing fees, but may incur additional costs associated with third-party dependencies and specialized expertise. Conduct a thorough analysis to understand the complete financial implications before implementing the system.

Assessment 1: The Turn-Key Solution and Assessment 2: The Open Platform are two examples of no cost, or “free and open-source” solutions, that still will require investment in a team and infrastructure to tune, deploy, and manage it.

Conduct regular security audits

Establish a proactive approach to security by conducting regular audits and promptly addressing any identified vulnerabilities. A comprehensive security audit should include aspcets of source code security, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing.

Invest in comprehensive documentation

One solution’s system administrator documentation lacked information on disaster recovery procedures. Prioritize the development of comprehensive documentation covering all aspects of the system, including security practices, deployment guidelines, and disaster recovery plans. You can review our DevSecOps Checklist for a guide on steps to consider when preparing to launch.

Adopt continuous integration and deployment practices

Some solutions lack a continuous integration/continuous deployment system for managing the software lifecycle, from testing to production. Implement CI/CD to streamline the development and deployment processes and facilitate rapid updates and bug fixes.

Publish source code dependencies publicly

Some solutions source code dependencies are not publicly available, hindering maintenance and updates. Share all dependencies publicly through a Software Bill of Materials to ensure transparency and ease of access for maintenance purposes.

Integrate manual and automated testing

One solution lacked both manual test plans and automated testing, increasing the risk of undetected defects. Implement a comprehensive testing strategy combining manual and automated testing to ensure the system’s quality and reliability. Consider using the tools and services we use in the holistic assessment process.

Address security concerns promptly

Some assessments uncovered several security risks. Prioritize addressing these risks promptly to enhance the system’s security posture and protect sensitive data.