Analysis and design of application architecture for digital workspaces
End-to-end AS-IS/TO-BE application analysis, including identity validation and authentication flows, assessment of network constraints, and evaluation of operational and security readiness.
Context
The applications were part of a large enterprise environment and had to meet strict security, network, and regulatory requirements typical for regulated industries. The assessment was conducted as part of a broader application portfolio across business domains.
Problem
The existing approach to application integration was inconsistent and difficult to audit. There was a lack of consistent architectural validation of identity, authentication flows, and network assumptions, which increased risks in later stages of migration.
Constraints
- Regulatory and internal security requirements
- Network segmentation, firewalls and proxy routing
- Legacy technologies and existing technical dependencies
My role
Responsibility for end-to-end architectural analysis of the application, assessment of identity and security aspects, and collaboration on the design of the target (TO-BE) architectural solution.
Solution
Design of target architecture based on clearly defined identity and authentication flows and explicitly described network and operational prerequisites. The goal was to enable consistent and repeatable assessment of applications in a regulated enterprise environment.
Diagram
This diagram shows a layered HLD view of user identity trust, network routing/proxy restrictions, and the SSO entry point. The right flow illustrates a typical access path from an on-site network and the locations where key controls are applied. Real-world implementations are significantly more complex and vary depending on the specific environment, identity model (on-prem/cloud), and baseline requirements for network, authentication/authorization, and access point controls.
Key decisions
- Evaluation of authentication mechanisms and identity flow options
- Validation of network model, proxy routing, and segmentation
Outcome
- Clear and repeatable framework for architectural assessment of applications
- Fewer architectural changes in later stages of migration
- Better overview of identity, network, and security dependencies
- Clearly defined ownership of authentication and authorization flows
- Compliance with enterprise security and network standards