Anonymised case. Inspired by a real offer-review dilemma; no implementation outcome is asserted.
An organisation is selecting a system for internal processes. Its architecture requirements say that the application layer should use managed cloud services and that the solution must integrate with an existing integration platform.
A supplier proposes a hybrid solution: the application runs on virtual machines while some data services are managed. Documentation describes a general integration capability, but only a portion has been confirmed. Business stakeholders want to continue because the offer covers important functional needs.
You are reviewing the offer at this stage. You do not yet have a complete implementation design or evidence for every connection. Identifying details have been removed.
How do you separate requirements compliance from the decision to keep evaluating the offer? What would you recommend, and what evidence is needed before approving the implementation architecture?
Guiding questions
- Does “cloud services” mean the same as managed application hosting?
- Which requirements are mandatory and which express a preference?
- Does a general integration claim prove specific interfaces and error handling?
- What can the offer demonstrate, and what requires a full HLD?