No one would think of building a house without first having the corresponding architectural drawings. Similarly, it is also unthinkable to move forward on a digital transformation path without considering the underlying IT architecture: optimally defining it is what will ensure operational continuity, get the most value from technology investments, lay the groundwork for future modernizations, or support the potential future complexity of the organization’s technology scenario.

Contrary to what was believed for a long time, the definition of the architecture is far from being a technical problem: it is a strategic decision that has a direct impact on business performance. For this reason, the focus should consider aspects such as flexibility, scalability, agility and resilience.

No matter if the company launches a new product or service, changes its distribution model, implements an intelligent supply chain or launches a new experience for its customers, in any of the cases having an adaptable architecture will be essential to not lose an inch of ground against competitors.

The AWS View

The importance of having the right architecture to succeed in digital initiatives is embodied in, for example, the AWS Well-Architected Framework, which is designed precisely so that organizations can create a secure, available and dynamic cloud-based infrastructure to always deliver the best performance for each application and each workload.

The framework describes the key concepts, design principles and best practices for getting the most value from architecting on AWS. Specifically, it also rests on six pillars. 

The first is operational excellence: it focuses on executing and monitoring systems and continuously improving processes and procedures. Deviations in performance or difficulties in day-to-day operations are detected on time, while opportunities for automation are identified.

Between safety and efficiency

A second pillar is security, which focuses on protecting both information and systems: highly sensitive issues such as confidentiality, privacy and data integrity, access permissions or controls to prevent intrusions fall under this heading.

In terms of reliability, this third axis focuses on checking that workloads perform as expected and promotes tools for rapid recovery in case of bugs. Linked to this point, the performance efficiency pillar allocates resources in a structured and simplified way, with the objective of monitoring performance, ensuring that everything continues to run regardless of how the organization’s demands evolve, and optimizing performance according to the available resources and the requirements of each workload.

A fifth pillar is cost optimization. Its function is to avoid unnecessary expenses scaling resources according to the specific needs of the organization. In times of tight budgets and financial complexities, this is a key element in order not to miss the competitiveness.

On top of it all: sustainable

The AWS Well-Architected Framework is based on a sixth pillar: sustainability, which seeks to minimize the environmental impact of running workloads in the cloud.

Beyond the specific case made by the AWS framework and approaches, the reality is that choosing the right architecture is a key business decision, as if it were the skeleton of the organization and reflects its main characteristics. A modern, scalable and adaptable architecture defines a company with these qualities. An outdated and rigid architecture, on the other hand, is an unbeatable obstacle for a company that wants to remain competitive in the future.