Second Opinion
Uncertainty about the right direction in a software project
Software development is complex. Along the way, questions may arise about the chosen approach, the quality of the work or the progress of the project. Clients may be confronted with conflicting conclusions from vendors, inconsistent timelines or doubts about technical feasibility.
In such cases, an independent opinion is often needed. But a traditional audit or technical review may not be enough. Sometimes what is required is more than just analysis: a second opinion that not only assesses what has happened but also provides clear direction for what needs to happen next.
Objective evaluation and targeted next steps
A second opinion in software development is valuable when:
• there is uncertainty about the quality or progress of an ongoing project
• previous assessments are unclear or one-sided
• you are unsure whether the chosen architecture or technology aligns with your strategy
• you need an independent perspective without the commercial interests of suppliers
• you also require guidance or support after the evaluation to move forward effectively
It is not just about identifying what has gone wrong, but also about how to move ahead with confidence.
Second opinion with practical support
We provide second opinions on software projects that go beyond a purely technical review. Our approach consists of three phases:
Independent assessment of the current situation
We begin with an objective and critical analysis of the work completed so far. This includes:
• reviewing previous reports and recommendations|
• analyzing architecture, documentation and source code
• identifying technical risks and dependencies
Our findings are clear, factual and useful for both development teams and decision-makers. They provide a shared foundation for course correction or project reboot, tailored to the content and context of your project.
Independent, evidence-based insights
Following our analysis, we deliver a clear and independent conclusion. We focus not only on what went wrong but also on:
• what went well and inspires confidence
• where realistic improvement opportunities exist
• how technical and organizational factors interact
Our insights are concrete, technically grounded and framed to serve both business stakeholders and development teams. This shared understanding becomes the basis for actionable improvements.
Guidance for next steps or continued development
Based on our second opinion, we can — if desired — provide further support, such as:
• strategic and technical advice for restarting or adjusting the project
• coaching development teams during implementation or correction
• providing specialized developers or architects to get the project back on track
This is what sets us apart from a traditional audit: we don't stop at evaluation, we actively help you move forward.
Why choose a second opinion from AltF7?
✔ Independent and objective – No commercial interest in past decisions or vendors
✔ Technically thorough and strategically aware – Assessment at both code and organizational level
✔ Practical follow-up possible – Not just analysis, but also support and development if needed
✔ Clear, to-the-point advice – No unnecessary jargon, just actionable insights and recommendations
✔ Experience with complex projects – From failing implementations to acquisitions and public tenders
Conclusion: Clarity and direction in your software journey
Are you unsure about the direction, approach or quality of your software project?
A second opinion offers both clarity and a way forward.
By going beyond evaluation and actively thinking along with your next steps, we help you regain control of the situation.
Practical Examples
Second opinion on a stalled platform development
A mobility platform had started building a new customer portal, but after several months of development, the project stalled due to recurring bugs, unclear specifications and ongoing disputes between the developer and the client. We conducted a second opinion by reviewing previous reports and sprint outcomes, and performed our own technical and functional analysis.
Our findings revealed that the technical foundation was unstable and there was insufficient alignment between business and development. Together with the client, we defined a revised architectural direction and helped restructure the team's development process. Our support during the initial recovery sprints restored momentum and renewed stakeholder confidence.
Second opinion on project plan and architecture during procurement
A healthcare organization had selected an IT vendor via a formal procurement procedure to build a new care platform but had concerns about the project plan, proposed architecture and technical justification. We performed a second opinion by evaluating the documentation, assumptions and key starting points, and identified critical risks.
Our analysis showed that the proposed plan was vulnerable in terms of scalability, maintainability and vendor lock-in. Moreover, the functional requirements did not match real-world needs, and the division of responsibilities was unclear. In close consultation with the organization, we defined improvement areas, advised on a revised role distribution and helped refine the project scope. As a result, the project regained direction, its foundation was reinforced and confidence in the next phase was restored.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between an audit and a second opinion?
An audit typically focuses on retrospective evaluation. A second opinion critically reviews existing insights and, if needed, provides guidance for next steps such as further development or restructuring.
2. When is a second opinion useful?
When you are unsure about the direction or approach of a software project, receive conflicting reports or want clarity before proceeding with development or investment.
3. Is a second opinion always technical?
Not exclusively. We combine technical analysis with strategic insight, enabling you to make well-informed decisions on both technical and organizational levels.
4. Can you also help with improvements after the evaluation?
Yes. If needed, we support the restart, adjustment or completion of the project — in terms of content, process or through our own development teams.
5. How long does a second opinion process take?
Depending on the size of the project, this ranges from a few days to several weeks. We tailor the approach to your needs, urgency and the information available.
Contact us for a second opinion.
We provide an independent assessment and — if needed — concrete guidance toward recovery or optimization.