Marshall Tech
custom software no codetech consultancyPlatform Lock-inRisk ManagementArchitecture

Always build with the assumption that you might migrate away from any platform. Ensure you can export your data. Never put mission-critical business logic inside a platform you don't control.

On managing platform lock-in risk

Nick Hugh

Founder, AI Expert & Fractional CTO, Marshall Tech

Nick Hugh, AI Expert & Fractional CTO at Marshall Tech, Sydney

Last updated:

Related resources

Move from this quote into the person, proof, and longer explanation behind it.

Expert

Nick Hugh

Nick Hugh, AI Expert & Fractional CTO at Marshall Tech, Sydney

Updated 9 Apr 2026

Open resource

Insight

Platform Migration Checklist: How to Switch Without Downtime

A successful platform migration requires four phases: discovery (2 weeks), parallel build (4–8 weeks), controlled cutover (1 week), and stabilisation (2 weeks). The key to zero-downtime migration is running both systems in parallel, with a rollback plan at every stage. Most migration failures come from skipping the parallel phase.

Updated 26 Feb 2026

Open resource

Insight

API-First Architecture: Why It Matters for Growing Businesses

API-first architecture means designing your systems around APIs (application programming interfaces) before building user interfaces. This approach enables faster integration, easier AI adoption, better data flow between systems, and the flexibility to swap components without rebuilding everything. It's the foundation for scalable business technology.

Updated 26 Feb 2026

Open resource

Case study

KIKOFF: Backend Overhaul & Multitenancy Platform Build

KIKOFF needed a complete backend overhaul and a scalable multitenancy platform for managing sports leagues, venues, and teams across multiple organisations. Marshall Tech provided fractional CTO services, overhauling the backend architecture and building a multitenancy product that allows rapid feature development and seamless organisation onboarding.

Updated 26 Feb 2026

Open resource

Case study

UNDR CTRL: Simplifying the Platform & Bringing It In-House

UNDR CTRL needed a partner to help simplify their existing platform, build out some new features, and move away from their previous development provider. Marshall Tech worked closely with the team over several months to tidy up the codebase, ship new functionality, and hand over a cleaner, more manageable product.

Updated 21 Mar 2026

Open resource

Insight

Build vs Buy: A Decision Framework for Business Technology

Build when the capability is your competitive advantage, when no off-the-shelf solution fits your workflow, or when platform lock-in is an unacceptable risk. Buy when the function is commodity (accounting, email, project management), when time-to-value matters more than customisation, or when the vendor's R&D investment exceeds what you'd spend building. Most businesses should build 10–20% of their stack and buy the rest.

Updated 26 Feb 2026

Open resource