Often in this blog, we focus on the perspective of the developer. From identifying technical nuances in coding to security layers and deep-seated functionality these elements are essential and lost on all but the most developmentally savvy CTO. While the detailed elements of coding languages might excite practitioners, those expected to sign off on new costs, solutions, and licensing agreements look to different benchmarks.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most impactful questions the C-suite has when deciding if ColdFusion is the ideal platform for their app and e-commerce development needs.
Focusing on the bottom line
As you might expect, the C-suite of any major organization has an overarching desire to cut costs, minimize unneeded onboarding, and decrease the risks of any potential solutions to the fluidity of operations. But how does this translate into the realm of ColdFusion?
For CFOs, CRO, and CEOs alike the most basic questions often start with:
- What are the licensing costs for using Coldfusion for a new platform?
- Is there a significant difference between open-source (Lucee) and officially licensed coldfusion products?
- Are there any additional costs associated with ColdFusion that differentiate it from other programming languages?
- Are internal and external development hourly costs viable for your business model?
Simply put, the first round of make-it-or-break-it questions for the C-suite, concerning ColdFusion are almost always based on costs. From upfront licensing fees and development costs to long-term upkeep and maintenance, the C-suite must be hyper-focused on projecting expected costs and evaluating the viability of new solutions, and ColdFusion is no different.
Depending on the size of the organization (enterprise vs SMB) and the scale of It budget ColdFusion could be the ideal language to facilitate your web development or e-commerce goals.
Is there enough talent to keep the platform running?
After the initial dissection of costs associated with migrating to ColdFusion, the C-suite will most likely pivot to the talent or human part of the equation. If the costs are manageable then the next logical step is to ensure there is a large enough pool of talent to maintain and update any platforms utilizing ColdFusion. As a result, the second round of inquiries for the C-suite will focus on:
- Is it viable to have an in-house ColdFusion developer?
- Are there outsourcing options to manage the ColdFusion Platform?
- Will there be a future pool of talent to maintain the platform for the long term?
- Are there any ways to incentivize current staff to become proficient in ColdFusion?
Reflecting on the oversaid cliche that ‘ColdFusion is Dead?’, it is important for executives to thoroughly examine the talent available and ensure that they are fully versed in a road depth of programming languages including ColdFusion. By ensuring that in-house or outsourced developers are regularly available, executives can ensure consistent access and maintenance of their platforms.
It’s all about Security!
As the headlines and vast pile of red slips from sacrificed CISOs and CTOs indicate, security must be a cornerstone in any conversation about the application or integration of new technology. Within the context of ColdFusion, executives must constantly evaluate the potential security risks and viable and easy-to-apply solutions and determine how these costs impact the long-term viability of utilizing the language.
In practice, these conversations come to the forefront in terms of questions like:
- How often does Adobe release product updates, patches, and security reports?
- Have ColdFusion platforms been recently targeted by cybercriminals?
- Is there any internal functionality to alert developers of potential security risks?
- How complicated is the patching process?
Just like in the implementation of any new solution, developers and executives alike must conceptualize the potential risks posed and determine: is it worth it. When it comes to ColdFusion the dynamic is the same. It is vital to determine, based on organizational needs and bandwidth, can a ColdFusion solution be maintained and optimized to ensure razor-tight security.
Should we utilize a ColdFusion-based solution?
There’s no such thing as a free lunch and there certainly are very few offering simple solutions to complex problems. Luckily for executives considering ColdFusion-based development, the equation can be simplified into 3 succinct parts.
By balancing the costs of development, availability of talent, and core focus on cybersecurity the C-suite has the tools to determine if ColdFusion is the most responsive way the bring their corporate vision to the world.