6 Factors to consider when choosing a modern application platform

To stay competitive, organisations need applications that increase customer engagement, differentiate their services and provide opportunities to improve operational efficiency. Choosing the right application platform is a crucial aspect of application transformation and migration to hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Platform wise, there is plenty to choose from but they don’t all deliver the same benefits. Here are factors that should guide the decision-making process when selecting a platform:

1. Scalability and Flexibility
One of the primary considerations when choosing a modern application platform is scalability. You need a platform capable of handling the growth of your business and increasing workloads without sacrificing performance. Additionally, flexibility is key – the platform should support various application types, programming languages, and deployment models, allowing your organization to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.

2. Containerization and Microservices Architecture
Containerization has become a standard practice in modern application development. Platforms that support container orchestration, such as Kubernetes, provide the flexibility to deploy, manage, and scale applications seamlessly. Microservices architecture, which breaks down applications into smaller, independent components, is often a natural fit with containerization. Consider a platform that encourages and supports the use of these architectural principles for enhanced agility and ease of maintenance.

3. Security and Compliance
Security is paramount in today’s digital landscape. Ensure that the chosen application platform adheres to industry best practices for security and compliance. Analyse critical features such as identity and access management, encryption, and secure APIs. Regular updates and patches, as well as a proactive approach to addressing emerging security threats, are indicative of a robust and secure platform.

4. Cloud-Native Capabilities
With the widespread adoption of cloud computing, selecting a platform that is cloud-native is essential. Cloud-native platforms leverage the advantages of cloud services, enabling automatic scaling, resilience, and enhanced resource utilization. Compatibility with major cloud providers allows for flexibility in choosing the best environment for your specific needs, whether it’s public, private, or hybrid cloud.

5. Cost Management
Understanding the cost implications of a modern application platform is crucial for effective budgeting. Consider not only the initial licensing or subscription costs but also factors such as usage-based pricing, scaling costs, and potential hidden fees. A transparent pricing model and the ability to optimize resource usage can contribute to a more cost-effective solution over the long term.

6. Community and Ecosystem Support
A vibrant and active community around the application platform can provide valuable resources, support, and a wealth of third-party integrations. An extensive ecosystem of tools, libraries, and plugins enhances the platform’s capabilities and can expedite development processes. Consider platforms that have a strong and engaged user community.

Selecting a modern application platform is a strategic decision that influences the efficiency, scalability, and security of your digital initiatives. By carefully considering factors such as scalability, containerization, security, cloud-native capabilities, cost management, and community support, organizations can make informed decisions that align with their business goals and set the foundation for future success.

Start your application transformation journey today
As an accredited official partner of Red Hat, our seasoned engineers leverage the power of Red Hat® OpenShift® to streamline your application transformation journey. By implementing this solution, we create a cohesive, enterprise-ready application platform for cloud-native innovation. Red Hat® OpenShift®, driven by containers, Kubernetes, and DevSecOps capabilities, serves as a robust foundation for swiftly building, deploying, running, and managing both existing and new applications at scale, ensuring security across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Revolutionize your application deployment by taking the transformative step with us.

Eileen O’Mahony
General Manager, WM Promus