Leading the Modernization of a Secure Government System

Laravel Vue.js PHP Bootstrap MySQL Node.js JavaScript

This project showcases how strategic technical leadership can transform legacy systems into secure, modern platforms. Working with Ardmore Digital and Deloitte, we drove a meticulous six-month process that ensured the system met stringent government requirements while delivering exceptional performance and usability.

THE CHALLENGE

The system relied on outdated technologies, creating security vulnerabilities and limiting performance. The project's objectives included:

Upgrading from PHP 5.6 to PHP 8.1, Laravel 6 to Laravel 9, and Vue.js 2 to Vue.js 3
Transitioning from Bootstrap 3 to Bootstrap 5 and updating over 50 libraries. Refactoring the custom-built CMS for compatibility with modern frameworks.
Ensuring readiness for PEN testing to address government-grade security requirements
Optimizing performance through load testing to handle high traffic and ensure reliability

Meeting these goals within the tight timeline required a comprehensive technical strategy and meticulous execution.

THE RESULTS

After 6 months of dedicated effort, the project delivered outstanding results:

Secure and Reliable: The system successfully passed rigorous third-party PEN testing, ensuring it met the highest government security standards
Optimized Performance: Independent load testing confirmed improved responsiveness and the system's ability to handle traffic surges without interruption
Automation Success: The custom script for broken-links detection eliminated manual oversight, improving reliability and efficiency while protecting SEO performance by preventing 404 errors that negatively impact search rankings
Framework Modernization: Successfully upgraded from PHP 5.6 to PHP 8.1, Laravel 6 to Laravel 9, and Vue.js 2 to Vue.js 3, bringing the system up to modern standards
Seamless Integration: Collaborated effectively with Ardmore Digital and Deloitte teams, ensuring smooth project delivery and stakeholder alignment

OUR ROLE

As the Lead Developer, our team took ownership of the Laravel application and technical implementation, driving the modernization from planning to deployment. We worked closely with Ardmore Digital's creative team and technical director, as well as Deloitte's senior management and DevOps teams, ensuring seamless collaboration across all stakeholders.

PROJECT DETAILS

Date: September 2023
Duration: 6 months
Team Size: Weesite Lead Developer + Ardmore Digital Creative Team & Technical Director + Deloitte Senior Management & DevOps Teams
Category: Government
Partners: Ardmore Digital • Deloitte

SIX MONTHS OF HARD WORK

Collaborated with Ardmore Digital's creative team and technical director, along with Deloitte's senior management and DevOps teams, to analyze the existing system and identify areas for improvement
Designed and executed a detailed roadmap for upgrading the tech stack, addressing security concerns, and enhancing system performance

BACKEND DEVELOPMENT

Refactored the Laravel-powered database structure, streamlining data management and improving scalability
Strengthened security by implementing advanced server-side protocols to protect sensitive government data
Developed a custom automation script to detect broken links in real time, improving website reliability, protecting SEO performance by preventing 404 errors, and saving manual effort

FRONTEND DEVELOPMENT

Refactored website components for compatibility with Bootstrap 5.2
Updated CMS modules to seamlessly integrate with Vue.js 3, enhancing user experience and interface responsiveness

TESTING & DEPLOYMENT

Prepared the system for third-party PEN testing, addressing identified vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance with government security standards
Coordinated with third-party load testing teams, implementing optimizations to improve system responsiveness and handle high traffic volumes
Supported Deloitte's DevOps team by adjusting the codebase to ensure existing CI/CD pipelines ran successfully without errors, enabling reliable and consistent deployments throughout the project

TECHNOLOGIES USED

WHY THIS MATTERS

This project showcases how strategic technical leadership can transform legacy systems into secure, modern platforms. By driving a meticulous six-month process, we ensured the system met stringent government requirements while delivering exceptional performance and usability. Working alongside Ardmore Digital, a top 30 UK digital agency, and Deloitte, one of the world's leading consulting firms, this project demonstrates Weesite's ability to collaborate effectively with prestigious partners and complex stakeholder teams while delivering technical excellence.

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