Platform Rescue & Turnaround

When Systems Fail, We Deliver

Not every engagement starts with a greenfield project. Some of our most impactful work has been rescuing platforms that were on the verge of collapse—stabilizing critical systems while simultaneously architecting the path forward.

Platform rescue requires a unique combination of rapid diagnosis, decisive action, and long-term architectural thinking. You can't just put out fires; you need to rebuild the foundation while the building is still standing.

Our Rescue Methodology

flowchart TB
    subgraph Phase1["Phase 1: Stabilization (Days 1-7)"]
        A[Crisis Assessment] --> B[Immediate Triage]
        B --> C[Quick Wins]
        C --> D[Monitoring Setup]
    end

    subgraph Phase2["Phase 2: Diagnosis (Days 7-21)"]
        E[Root Cause Analysis] --> F[Architecture Review]
        F --> G[Performance Profiling]
        G --> H[Technical Debt Audit]
    end

    subgraph Phase3["Phase 3: Rebuild (Days 21+)"]
        I[Migration Strategy] --> J[Incremental Rewrite]
        J --> K[Zero-Downtime Cutover]
        K --> L[Scale Validation]
    end

    Phase1 --> Phase2 --> Phase3

The Stakes Are Real

Platform failures don't happen in isolation. When Grindr's Ruby backend couldn't handle explosive growth, 5.8 million daily users across 192 countries experienced chronic outages. The technical debt wasn't just a development problem—it was threatening the business.

What Makes Rescue Different

Key Success Factors

1. Rapid Stabilization

Before any rewrite can begin, the system needs to be stable enough to buy time. This often means implementing quick fixes that wouldn't make sense in normal development—but keep the lights on while the real work happens.

2. Parallel Track Development

We don't wait until the old system is completely understood to start building the new one. Instead, we run parallel tracks: one team stabilizes while another architects the future state.

gantt
title Platform Rescue Timeline
dateFormat X
axisFormat
section
Crisis triage           :a1, 0, 7d
Monitoring & alerts     :a2, after a1, 14d
System analysis         :b1, 0, 21d
Architecture design     :b2, after b1, 14d
Core service rewrite    :c1, after b2, 30d
Data migration          :c2, after c1, 14d
Cutover & validation    :c3, after c2, 7d

3. Zero-Downtime Migration

When millions of users depend on your platform, you can't just flip a switch. Every migration needs to be incremental, reversible, and invisible to end users.

Results That Matter

Our platform rescue work has directly contributed to major business outcomes:

• Grindr: Stabilized 5.8M DAU platform, enabling $608M acquisition
• Roto-Rooter: Saved legacy call center systems for $1.3B enterprise

pie title Platform Rescue Outcomes
    "Successful Exit" : 40
    "Avoided Outage" : 35
    "Enabled Scale" : 25

When to Call for Rescue

Not every struggling platform needs a rescue operation. Here are the signs that you might:

• Chronic instability that doesn't improve with normal fixes
• Scale ceiling that limits business growth
• Technical debt that makes every change risky
• Team burnout from constant firefighting
• Acquisition due diligence revealing platform concerns

The 127K Difference

What sets us apart in platform rescue situations:

1. Speed to stabilization - We've done this before and know what to look for
2. Architectural depth - We don't just fix symptoms; we cure the disease
3. Business alignment - Every technical decision serves business outcomes
4. Zero-downtime expertise - Migrations that don't impact users
5. Exit-ready results - Platforms that pass due diligence

When your platform is in crisis, you need a partner who can act decisively while maintaining the calm focus required for complex technical work. That's what we do.