Rebuild auction platform
Client Overview
Our client was operating an auction platform custom-built in PHP. While the platform was designed to accommodate rapid growth, it overlooked key industry-standard guidelines for building stable and maintainable applications. This resulted in challenges as the platform scaled, particularly under high traffic demands.
We stepped in to rebuild the platform using the latest PHP technologies and transitioned it to the Zend Framework (now known as Laminas). This modernization not only addressed the stability issues but also laid a solid foundation for future growth. The newly rebuilt platform now operates reliably, even under heavy traffic loads, ensuring a seamless experience for both users and administrators.
Our Process
The system was completely rebuilt by a team of developers under the guidance of an experienced architect, ensuring a structured and efficient development process. In the new architecture, the frontend was decoupled from direct database access, relying entirely on an API for data retrieval. This API was further optimized with the integration of Redis caching, significantly improving performance and reducing database load during high-traffic periods.
Technical Highlights
The technologies we used to deliver the solution
PHP
Zend Framework
MariaDB
Redis
Apache
HAProxy
Solutions
The custom solution we developed for the client, after understanding their unique needs and challenges.
We implemented a structured methodology for templating, database access, and validation using Zend Framework.
The frontend relied on an internal API, later exposed externally to support native mobile app development with the same data.
HAProxy was used to scale MySQL, splitting read and write queries, enabling horizontal database scaling.
Redis caching was added for stale data, significantly reducing database load during high-traffic periods.
Key Findings
By leveraging a PHP framework and adhering to industry standards, we ensured seamless collaboration across multiple developers without sacrificing code quality.
While building the new application, we supported operational teams by maintaining the stability of the existing system.
To handle high traffic demands, we implemented a database proxy, enabling efficient scaling and ensuring performance and reliability under heavy loads.
Impact
Following the initial deployment, we continued to enhance the application, seizing every opportunity to refine and optimize its functionality. The new structure significantly boosted development efficiency, enabling faster implementation of new features.
This robust and scalable application played a pivotal role in transforming the company into one of the largest e-commerce businesses in the Netherlands at the time. Its success was further recognized through several prestigious national awards, highlighting the impact of the rebuild and the innovative approach we delivered.