Web Application Reverse Engineering and Functional Analysis Case Study
The Client
The client is a global leader in web-based environmental monitoring software that collects data, creates reports and triggers alarms.
The software allows users to set alarms that trigger alerts on-screen, and via email, SMS and telephone.
The Challenge
The client’s main web application has been developed over a long period. During that time the design and functionality specifications did not keep up with the rapidly evolving application.
The client needed a partner that could reverse engineer the existing web application and conduct functional analysis.
The team had to be knowledgeable in Python, C++, Javascript and UML in addition to having experience documenting design and system specifications.
The Process
- Conduct code walkthrough to identify high-level design constructs.
- Document web application technical architecture.
- Map the GUI to user specifications.
How Optimus Helped
Optimus has a long-term relationship with the client and was therefore able to utilize existing knowledge of the client’s systems and business.
By conducting a code walkthrough and step-by-step execution, Optimus was able to identify and document all of the high-level design constructs.
Optimus documented the web application’s technical architecture using a customized form of component and activity diagrams. The GUI was mapped per user specifications.
Optimus’ team created valuable reference documentation for the client in a very short time.
The documentation is designed to be consistent with the client’s documentation standards. They now have proper documentation available for their organization.
The application’s design is now easily understood allowing new developers to build upon the complex application.
Optimus’ knowledge acquisition and management expertise coupled with a hybrid delivery model gave the client scalable access to an experienced team. The efficient knowledge transfer helped the client to increase delivery speed.