We brought together two passionate experts in MACH architecture: Leandro Benitez, our General Manager, and Iván del Puerto, who leads the development team and the IT department. Together they explained to us the intriguing world of technologies composable. This innovative concept has aroused great interest in today's dynamic digital market, and at Novicell it has decided to bet decisively on this trend.

We invite you to watch the recording of the full webinar, or if you prefer, you will find a summary of the key points of his presentation below, explaining what is essential for understanding this new paradigm.

Technologies Composable: what, how and why

To understand technologies composable, we must first understand its nature. Iván del Puerto explains that this concept is based on the idea of developing a technical architecture composed of interchangeable elements or modules, allowing the adaptability of a software. The new thing is that it now applies to the business side as well.

In a world where digitalization is advancing at full speed, The approach of composable business allows you to easily assemble and configure applications or services to meet the specific needs of each company. It seeks to use applications as business tools, not as conditioning factors.

What advantages does this philosophy offer us? Primarily, a improvement in the Time-to-market being a more flexible and scalable model than traditional monolithic solutions. It's about putting technology at the service of the business, being faster and more flexible in interacting with users.

The metaphor of Lego chips illustrates how apps composable allow you to create solutions quickly, combining elements of CMS, eCommerce and more. In addition, it provides the ability to replace parts efficiently, making it easy to adapt to changing business needs.

What is the MACH Architecture

To fully understand the technologies composable, Iván explains to us the four principles of MACH architecture, that make up the meaning of this acronym:

Microservices

For applications to effectively communicate with each other, they must be designed as microservices.

Microservices refer to a development approach that involves create multiple independent solutions, each with a single responsibility. This allows you to use only the specific services that are needed instead of loading an application with unnecessary functionality.

In other words, it's about having a catalog of separate services instead of a macro service that mixes responsibilities. This structure makes it easy to incorporate new applications into the composable environment, since they can use existing services efficiently.

API First

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are functions that follow a communication standard.

Anyone with permissions can use these APIs. By providing a communication standard above microservices, pieces of software developed with microservices are allowed to communicate effectively with other similar applications. This makes it easy to add or remove components within a composable ecosystem, since a new part can be connected simply by establishing communication through a standard API.

Cloud Based SaaS

‍In this concept, the software originally resides in the cloud, eliminating the need for local installations and concerns related to version updates.

This directly benefits the business, as it avoids the complications and costs associated with traditional software updates. The software vendor is responsible for managing versions and infrastructure, allowing you to take advantage of new capabilities without additional worries.

Headless

‍The concept Headless involves separate the visual part of an application from business logic and content.

‍With a completely comprehensive architecture Headless, it is possible to change the appearance and behavior of a web application without affecting the underlying CMS (Content Management System). This speeds up time to market and allows changes to be made to the user experience without affecting the underlying infrastructure.

In addition, it improves performance and deployment capacity in different regions, since the CMS is a SaaS, while the front part can be deployed independently.

In short, The MACH architecture is based on microservices, standard APIs, cloud-based software and a separation Headless between the user interface and the content.

This combination of technological principles make it possible for applications to coexist in an environment composable, providing the flexibility and agility necessary for success in a digital business environment.

The MACH architecture thus becomes the basis for technologies composable, offering an innovative and effective way to approach digitalization in an increasingly fast and demanding world.

Why choose a MACH architecture or a composable solution

To understand why to choose a MACH architecture or a solution composable, it is essential to analyze their impact on the purpose of the business.

In this regard, we can resort to the methodology of “Pace-Layer Architecture” from Gartner. This methodology focuses on categorizing, selecting, managing and governing applications in a stratified manner to support change, differentiation and innovation within a company.

La “Pace-Layer Architecture” divides a company's digital assets into three different layers:‍

Registration Layer

‍In this layer it is they store all the essential data. The tools present here tend to change little over time, since they are associated with standardized and fundamental functions.

For example, it is not common to reconsider the change of an ERP system due to its stability and the standard nature of its functions. This layer encompasses what is fundamental and enduring in the company.

Differentiation Layer

‍In this layer, we get closer to what makes us unique as a company. Here, we have the ability to customize and adapt the functionalities and tools to meet specific needs, since the market is not so standard and differentiation from the competition is key. Volatility is higher, meaning we can iterate and adjust more frequently.

Innovation Layer

‍The innovation layer focuses on experimentation and the search for new ways of interacting with users to achieve greater market penetration.

Here, volatility is maximum, since solutions can have a short life cycle and be abandoned or, on the contrary, consolidated as valuable components. This layer seeks to create an environment conducive to experimentation.

Each of these layers progresses at its own pace and has a different life cycle. It is essential to recognize that each application serves a specific purpose and must be identified based on its contribution to the business structure, whether as a fundamental element of registration, a differentiating asset or an innovation tool aimed at interacting with customers or users.

How technologies composable They will change your day to day

To understand how the solutions composable they will transform your business, Leandro and Iván stand out how they overcome the functional limitations that usually occur in traditional monolith-based technologies. Thanks to a MACH architecture and a composable ecosystem, these limitations are eliminated, providing a practical competitive advantage.

“It can't be done, our technology doesn't support it”‍

Surely you've heard the above phrase in your digital project or platform change. However, as Iván mentioned, APIs are the gateway to microservices. That is to say, the separation of functionalities into microservices and their communication through APIs makes it possible to extend and enrich any functionality through customized developments.

In a MACH environment or composable, this limitation of “you can't” disappears, although it is important to remember that everything has a cost and an associated time.

“We have to test the entire system before going to production”

Instead of thoroughly testing the entire system before deployment, a MACH or microservices-based architecture allows you to test only on the functionalities related to the services you use. In addition, since everything is hosted in the cloud, implementation cycles are significantly shortened. In contrast, in monolithic software, you have to be cautious and test all the pieces.

It is important to note that theSolution Providers composable they offer guarantees about the effectiveness of the functionalities they provide, adding an additional level of confidence in the quality of the software.

“It's just that the web and the CRM can't be seen”

The lack of visibility between the web and the CRM can be effectively solved by a MACH architecture. In this approach, lAPIs allow a perfect connection between different tools, creating the feeling of a single, integrated solution.

‍For example, when a potential customer arrives through a web form, this interaction is instantly reflected in the CRM, thanks to the transmission of data through an API. This approach based on API First facilitates the unified visualization of user behavior on your website and in the CRM within a single comprehensive solution.

It is important to keep in mind that the new monolithic systems are generating an “artificial API” that lacks the functionality and advantages offered by a MACH solution. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these solutions, as they can ultimately limit the scalability of the business.

“You have to copy and paste content by hand from one platform to the other”

The tedious task of manually copying and pasting content from one platform to another is something we still face on many occasions. However, when we opt for API First and headless solutions, the door opens up to much more efficient content management, allowing us to centralize it and share it easily across different channels.

For example, in the case of blog articles, if we want to share an article on different websites, we can centralize the information and distribute it to all channels in an automated way. In addition, we also have the possibility of take full advantage of translation functions and strengthen our content management system (CMS). In short, a solution composable eliminates the need for manual copies on different platforms.

“Our website has been hacked”

60% of cyberattacks take advantage of software that hasn't been updated. The update process is usually slow and tedious, and the most worrying thing is that, once a vulnerability is detected, it takes a considerable amount of time until we are able to update our software.

The MACH architecture makes it possible to implement security measures in each service individually. In addition, being in the cloud, native SaaS cloud service providers offer automatic security updates, which reduces the window of vulnerability and improves protection against cyberattacks.

On the other hand, vulnerabilities are not made public, which is essential for security. Unlike what happens with WordPress, where vulnerabilities are often disclosed for security reasons.

A SaaS application requires less effort and dedication from our IT team, whether internal or external. There are no versions here that we should worry about managing; the system works continuously, is updated on its own and there is no loss of service.

“The web has been down all night”

How much does it cost to have a website down? The direct cost may be high, but the indirect cost may be even more so. Let's see how it can affect.

• Impact on SEO: the longer the website is down, the less it will be indexed, reducing the chances of recovering lost positions.‍
• The rebound: If the website is down, the bounce will be immediate, and you won't be able to measure it, losing users who will move to other websites.
• ‍The user experience: a poor web experience directly affects the brand, which is reflected in a loss of trust and interaction.
• Recurring users: 9% of users never return to a website that has crashed. The damage is permanent and affects today's and tomorrow's results.

The MACH architecture, being based on microservices, if one of these services fails, will not necessarily affect the entire site. This guarantees greater availability and stability of the site compared to monoliths, where a failure in one part can cause the entire system to crash. Returning users will appreciate the site's reliability.

In addition, the MACH architecture is well suited to scalability needs. If traffic increases, it's easier to add resources and scale relevant services to handle the additional load without negatively affecting performance. This reduces the likelihood of the site becoming slow or inaccessible, which could frustrate users and damage brand reputation.

The costs associated with the inactivity of a website go beyond direct economic aspects. Therefore, ensuring the constant availability of a website is essential for continued success in the digital environment.

“The web takes too long to load”

The concern about the slow loading of a web page is a current issue that directly affects the results of a business.

With a headless architecture, the server is specifically responsible for managing data and the client, for the visual part, contributes to a faster load speed. This efficient distribution of tasks significantly reduces the time needed to load the page and improves its performance.

In addition, having a presence in various regions of the world, a Headless SaaS solution facilitates the availability of servers in nearby locations, reducing the distance that data must travel, reducing latency in requests and accelerating response to the user.

“If we change the CMS we have to redo the entire web”

The last practical advantage we want to highlight is that, thanks to the principles of the MACH architecture, if the CMS is changed, there is no need to completely redo the website.

‍The separation of Fronted And the backend of a headless CMS allows you to modify the content while keeping the front side intact. This represents one of the great advantages of architecture composable, since the use of API first allows changes to be made to components with a much lower impact compared to other types of architecture.

First steps to adopt the MACH architecture in your company

To adopt the MACH philosophy, you can follow two approaches:

A strategic approach

This means turning your current digital solution architecture “upside down”. It consists of mapping the existing architecture, identifying its components and evaluating the desired architecture, which involves an analytical effort and the collaboration of most of the departments of your company.

Adopt technologies cImposable NOW

The next platform goes beyond functionality.

If you have a digital platform that needs updates, consider gradually switching to MACH solutions as opportunities arise. Start with a key piece, such as your e-commerce system, and compare the available options. We give you an example of eCommerce composable:

Both approaches require commitment and careful planning to embrace the MACH philosophy in your company.

How to Identify MACH Technologies

La MACH Alliance is an alliance that certifies technologies that comply with the MACH principles. However, it is important to note that there are other companies, such as Sitecore and DynamicWeb in version 10, that can also adopt MACH approaches, even if they are not certified by the alliance. Therefore, conducting a thorough investigation is essential.

Choosing the right technology is similar to finding the perfect pair of shoes. You must consider not only your current needs, but also your future growth. Some vendors offer solutions that adapt to your initial needs and then scale as your business grows. This allows you to start profitably and evolve over time.

MACH solutions offer a wide range of capabilities that drive your business forward. Changing vendors in the future will only require adjustments to the integration, simplifying the transition.

In addition, it is important to highlight that many providers have their own Marketplaces where they develop and maintain connectors with other MACH solutions. This means that you can effectively complement your toolset.

In short, choosing the right MACH technologies is an important step in transforming your solution ecosystem. SIf you need guidance or assistance to migrate to a MACH architecture or composable solutions, do not hesitate to contact us. Our specialists are ready to help you with this exciting transformation.

Remember that the road to Digital transformation starts with a solid strategy and the choice of the right technologies. Get ready for a more agile and competitive digital world.

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