Composability in software development: A future-proof architecture?

The future of designing software and applications will be defined by composability. To find out more on the matter, we sat down with Jens van Kerkvoort, Client Partnership Executive at AND Digital.

Composable application development is an innovative approach to systems design that uses interchangeable components that help build more flexible products. Composability allows organizations to replace parts of a system more easily, without having to start from scratch.

This innovative approach to systems design helps organizations escape the constraints of legacy systems. It allows developers to take advantage of reusable components to build applications more effectively.

“Taking a composable approach requires the understanding of user needs across all stakeholder groups and selecting the right technical solutions that are aligned to your business goals,” said Jens van Kerkvoort. “Migrating legacy systems is challenging, but inaction poses greater risks in a rapidly changing market.”

The advantages of composability

The main advantage of have a composable architecture is that it allows organizations to rapidly roll out new features or entirely new applications. It allows for modal adjustment of the components of a software, which can greatly accelerate time-to-market.

This ability to seamlessly integrate new components into systems can save big on time and resources. Rather than being locked into an inflexible system, composable architectures help organizations adapt and scale with less friction.

“By leveraging modular and reusable components, organizations can optimize their technology investments and reduce the overall cost of ownership,” says Van Kerkvoort.

“This cost-efficiency not only benefits the bottom line but also frees up resources that can be reinvested into further enhancing the customer experience.”

Consider the risks

While the positives of shifting to a composable architecture are pretty clear, there are also risks that should be considered.

“One of the main risks associated with shifting to a composable architecture is the complexity of migrating from an existing monolith system to the new architecture, while still maintaining the existing system,” notes Van Kerkvoort.

“It’s worth being mindful that this can take longer and cost more than expected, and it’s prudent to plan for this to avoid storing up problems down the line.”

There is also the risk of resistance from some parts of an organization that do not want to let go of the old ways. This can be mitigated by better communication across teams and ensuring the best possible change management strategy.

“Ultimately though, the greatest risk is doing nothing at all. Organizations that stand still for too long quickly find themselves outpaced and outperformed by their competitors.”

How to get started with composability

A good first step in the journey to adopting a composable system is conducting discovery workshops, according to the AND Digital expert. Being on the same page across an organization is crucial – and ironing out differences between conflicting priorities is a necessary first step.

“Keeping your stakeholders engaged as you move through the process is critical to success, and this starts with ensuring that you’ve clarified and validated your understanding of all their requirements,” says Van Kerkvoort.

Next, you should identify potential solutions and make sure they meet your criteria. Only once it is clear your strategy makes sense can you being to migrate applications to a composable ecosystem.

“Building your composable ecosystem is a complex undertaking,” noted Van Kerkvoort. “To make sure you stay on track, and get back on track quickly if things go awry, it’s critical that you keep your ‘North Star’ in mind. What’s the reason you’re doing this? For whom? And what outcomes will that drive?”

The benefits of shifting to composability go beyond the top line – it also drives bottom line savings because more efficiency and reduced maintenance costs can add up over time.

“Composability enables organizations like yours to be more customer-centric through faster delivery of value, greater flexibility to adapt, and reduced complexity,” concludes Van Kerkvoort.