Custom software architecture and modern technology choices

Identify user groups, important transactions, data ownership, integration boundaries and expected demand. Then consider deployment, identity, observability and failure handling. These decisions shape the system more than a long list of programming languages.

A well-structured application may be simpler to operate than many independently deployed services. Separate services can be useful where boundaries, scaling needs or team responsibilities justify them. We document the reasons for the chosen structure and the circumstances that would make the decision worth revisiting.

Choose data storage around relationships, transactions, reporting and access patterns. PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQL Server are relevant relational options in the Britixo catalogue; other stores or caching layers need a specific reason and operating plan. A cache should not quietly become the only record of an important business transaction.

APIs need clear contracts, permissions and behaviour when a dependency is slow or unavailable. Mobile work adds questions about connectivity, device capabilities and interrupted tasks. Flutter, React Native and native development can be considered against those needs, rather than assuming every project requires a separate mobile app.

AI can assist with finding information, drafting responses or classifying work where the result can be evaluated. Define the intended task, acceptable errors, source information and route to a person. Compare the proposed feature with a simpler search or rules-based process before introducing a model dependency.

Retrieval-augmented generation can supply relevant source material to a model, but retrieval quality and answer quality still require evaluation. Access controls must apply to the information retrieved, and an AI response should not automatically authorise a consequential action. Microsoft’s RAG design and evaluation guidance describes the design work involved. Britixo can scope RAG systems and other AI capabilities around an agreed use case.