Frequently Asked Questions

Engagement duration varies based on scope and complexity. A systems review typically takes 30 days. Implementation projects range from 3-12 months depending on the initiative. We work in measured increments with continuous validation, so you see progress weekly rather than waiting for a big-bang delivery. Every engagement starts with a clear roadmap that outlines phases, dependencies, and expected timelines.

Yes. We work across AWS, Azure, and GCP, and we design solutions based on your specific requirements rather than vendor preferences. Our architects hold certifications across all major platforms, and we help organizations make informed decisions based on their existing investments, team capabilities, regulatory requirements, and business goals. We're not tied to any single provider's ecosystem.

Absolutely. Most of our clients have significant legacy infrastructure that can't be replaced overnight. We specialize in modernization strategies that allow you to evolve incrementally while maintaining operational continuity. This includes strangler fig patterns, API gateway implementations, data migration strategies, and hybrid architectures that bridge old and new systems. We don't believe in 'rip and replace' unless it's clearly the right path.

Security is embedded in our architecture practice, not bolted on afterward. We work with your security team (or help you build one) to implement zero-trust principles, policy-as-code, automated compliance checks, and audit-ready documentation. We have experience with HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI-DSS, FedRAMP, and other frameworks. Security controls are designed to support development velocity, not block it.

We offer both fixed-scope projects and time-and-materials engagements depending on the nature of the work. Every engagement begins with a 30-day systems review that has a fixed cost. After the review, we provide a detailed proposal with clear scope, deliverables, and pricing for implementation work. We don't believe in surprise invoices or scope creep. You'll always know what you're paying for and why.

For active engagements, we provide support during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM Mountain Time) with same-day response for critical issues. For production incidents outside business hours, we provide emergency contact information. After an engagement concludes, we offer optional support retainers with defined SLAs. We're transparent about response expectations upfront so there are no surprises.

Knowledge transfer is a core part of our delivery model, not an afterthought. Every engagement includes comprehensive documentation, architecture decision records, operational runbooks, and hands-on training sessions. We design systems to be owned by your team, not dependent on us. When we leave, your team has the skills, documentation, and confidence to operate and evolve the system independently.

Yes. We have extensive experience in healthcare (HIPAA), financial services (SOC 2, PCI-DSS), government (FedRAMP), and other regulated sectors. We understand the unique constraints these industries face, including data residency requirements, audit trails, access controls, and compliance documentation. Our architects help you meet regulatory requirements without sacrificing operational agility.

We work in whatever model fits your organization best. Most of our engagements are fully remote, with regular video syncs and collaborative tools. For complex workshops, architecture reviews, or critical deployments, we can work on-site. We're based in the U.S. and work across time zones. The key is maintaining clear communication and collaboration regardless of location.

The systems review is designed to be low-friction. We'll need access to key stakeholders (engineering leads, product owners, operations teams), existing documentation (architecture diagrams, runbooks, incident reports), and system access for our architects to assess current state. We'll provide a detailed preparation checklist before we start. The goal is to understand your reality, not create homework for your team.

After the 30-day review, you receive a comprehensive report covering current state assessment, identified risks and opportunities, prioritized recommendations, and a proposed roadmap. We'll walk through the findings with your team and answer questions. There's no obligation to proceed with implementation work. Many clients use the review findings to inform internal planning, even if they don't immediately engage us for implementation.

Yes. We frequently collaborate with other vendors, system integrators, and internal teams. We're not interested in replacing your existing relationships unless there's a clear problem to solve. Our role is to fill gaps, provide specialized expertise, and help coordinate across multiple workstreams. We play well with others and focus on what's best for your organization, not expanding our footprint.