Blog
What we’re thinking about
Practical thinking from the work we do — supporting leaders through technology strategy, architecture, delivery, and complex transformation programmes. If you’re working through any of these challenges, there’s likely something here worth reading.
Navigating the future: a guide to future-proofing core banking systems
Open banking, AI, cyber threats and cloud migration are converging on core banking systems at once — and outdated infrastructure can't absorb all four. 9Yards on what future-proofing actually requires, starting with a core banking assessment.
Why today is the day to book a core banking assessment
You can't plan a transformation without knowing what you're actually working with. 9Yards on why a core banking capability assessment is the starting point for strategic alignment, risk management and every decision that follows.
Digital transformation readiness checklist
Most digital transformation projects don't fail on technology — they fail on unclear vision, weak leadership buy-in and skipped groundwork. 9Yards' checklist covers what to confirm before you start, from business drivers to disaster recovery planning.
Has your business continuity plan (BCP) kept up with your digital transformation?
Business continuity isn't a document you update once and file away — it has to be built into the solution architecture itself. 9Yards' Jodie Rugless, who managed a data centre through Cyclone Debbie, on what real disaster recovery readiness looks like.
Why CX sits at the core of every digital transformation strategy
Digital-only isn't always what customers want — Gartner's research shows many still see digital as a poor substitute for human contact. 9Yards on why channel choice should follow customer experience, not the other way around.
How solution architects use reference architecture and why it matters
Without a reference architecture, every new system decision starts from scratch — with one, you've got a basis to check fit and challenge what doesn't. 9Yards Director Phil Yeardley on why it's essential for change, transformation and disaster recovery.
Four essential steps for tech teams facing mergers and acquisitions
Two banks can run "the same" core system and end up nothing alike once you look at how each configured it. 9Yards Director Phil Yeardley on why merging tech teams needs to work through the emotion before it can work through the facts.
4 reasons it is time to modernise your integration architecture
"If it ain't broke" often means fragile, not fine — one renamed file can bring a legacy integration down. 9Yards' Tony Thongsinthop on the efficiency, accuracy and scalability gains of modernising your integration architecture.
Your decisions are only as strong as your data: Maintaining data quality for better outcomes
"Data is an asset" often stays a slogan — until poor data quality quietly undermines every decision built on it. 9Yards' Paul Yeardley on why good data management is a people problem as much as a technology one.
Uplifted capability: How a vCTO can work in tandem with your in-house CTO
A vCTO isn't just for organisations without one — brought in alongside an existing CTO, they add unbiased strategy during mergers, transformation, or executive impasse. 9Yards on the four ways this partnership actually works.
Where next?
Let’s talk about where you are right now
If you’re navigating something complex — a strategic decision, a delivery challenge, or something that doesn’t fit neatly into a category yet — we’d welcome a conversation. No pitch. Just an honest discussion about whether we can help.