Mihai Dobre
Full-Stack Infrastructure for UK Businesses

Premium Platforms

Senior technical partner for businesses that need scalable platforms. Backend architecture, operational systems, API integrations, and custom business applications.

Architecture Stack
Frontend
Next.js / React
API Layer
Node.js / Express
Database
PostgreSQL / Redis
Operational Complexity

Where business platforms break down

When internal tools, customer portals, APIs or backend systems become part of daily operations, weak architecture quickly becomes a business constraint. Businesses reach out when disconnected systems, manual workflows or platform limitations start slowing delivery.

Disconnected Systems

Risk

Business tools operate in isolation requiring manual data transfer

Impact

Data entry duplication, inconsistencies between systems, delayed reporting, operational bottlenecks

Manual Workflows

Risk

Critical business processes depend on human intervention

Impact

Processing delays, human error, difficulty scaling operations, team time consumed by repetitive tasks

Platform Limitations

Risk

SaaS platforms or legacy systems cannot support specific business models

Impact

Expensive workarounds, compromised processes, inability to differentiate operationally

API Fragility

Risk

Integrations break under load, rate limits block operations, data flow is unreliable

Impact

Operational disruptions, data sync failures, customer-facing issues during peak periods

Scaling Bottlenecks

Risk

Architecture cannot handle increased users, data volume, or transaction load

Impact

Performance degradation during growth, database locks, timeout errors, customer complaints

Platform Layers

Operational infrastructure components

Each layer addresses specific operational requirements. Together they form a stable, scalable platform infrastructure.

Platform Architecture

Scalable application structure designed for growth, maintainability, and operational reliability.

Handles increased load without degradation
Clean codebase for rapid iteration
Clear separation of concerns

Backend Infrastructure

Server-side systems, databases, and APIs that power business operations reliably. See Node.js development for backend specialisation.

Stable data operations
Efficient query performance
Secure authentication and authorization

API Systems

RESTful and GraphQL APIs for internal operations and third-party integrations.

Reliable system communication
Documented interfaces
Rate limiting and error handling

Operational Dashboards

Internal tools and admin interfaces for managing business operations efficiently.

Real-time operational visibility
Reduced admin time
Data-driven decisions

Workflow Platforms

Custom business applications that automate complex operational processes.

Automated multi-step processes
Reduced manual intervention
Consistent execution

Integration Infrastructure

Connecting ERP, CRM, payment, shipping, and communication systems into unified operations.

Eliminated data silos
Automated data flow
Single source of truth
Platform Implementations

Common platform systems I build

Examples of operational platform problems I solve through custom applications, backend systems, APIs and integration infrastructure.

Situation

Multi-tenant SaaS platform

Intervention

Next.js application with tenant isolation, role-based access, and usage tracking

Outcome

Scalable platform supporting multiple customer organizations independently

Situation

Internal operations dashboard

Intervention

Custom admin portal aggregating data from multiple systems with real-time updates

Outcome

Single interface for operational oversight, eliminated switching between tools

Situation

Customer self-service portal

Intervention

Authenticated portal with order history, document access, and support ticket management

Outcome

Reduced support queries, improved customer experience, 24/7 self-service availability

Situation

Complex data workflow automation

Intervention

Multi-stage pipeline with validation, transformation, and notification systems

Outcome

Manual data processing eliminated, consistent execution, audit trail maintained

Situation

API orchestration layer

Intervention

Central API gateway managing requests to multiple third-party services

Outcome

Simplified client integrations, centralized error handling, rate limit management

Situation

Legacy system modernisation

Intervention

Incremental migration from monolithic PHP to Next.js and Node.js architecture

Outcome

Improved performance, maintainable codebase, reduced technical debt. See the custom automation platform case study for workflow automation example.

Tech Stack

Infrastructure technologies

Platform infrastructure built on proven technologies for operational reliability and scalability.

Next.jsReactTypeScriptTailwind CSSServer Components
Node.jsExpressNestJSFastifyServerlessREST APIsGraphQLAPI DesignMicroservices

Data Infrastructure

PostgreSQLMySQLMongoDBRedisPrismaDatabase Optimisation

Platform Infrastructure

VercelAWSDockerCI/CD PipelinesGitHub ActionsNginx

Integration Systems

StripePayPalERP APIsCRM SystemsShipping APIsWebhooks

Platform Practices

GitCode ReviewTestingDocumentationPerformance MonitoringSecurity Practices
Engagement Model

Freelance Developer vs Agency

Choosing between a freelance developer and an agency depends on your project requirements, budget, and preferred working style.

Freelance Developer

Direct access to senior developer
No account managers or handoffs
Lower overhead, competitive pricing
Faster decision-making, flexible process
Single point of accountability

Best for businesses that value direct communication, senior expertise, and streamlined collaboration.

Agency

Multiple team members, potential handoffs
Account manager as intermediary
Higher overhead, premium pricing
Structured processes, slower iterations
Larger team capacity for very large projects

May suit enterprises needing large teams for massive-scale projects with complex procurement requirements.

Process

How platform infrastructure is built

Structured approach to building scalable business platforms. Regular updates ensure you stay informed throughout.

01

Platform Discovery

Understanding your business operations, technical requirements, and scalability needs. Mapping existing systems and integration points.

02

Architecture Planning

Creating technical specifications, platform architecture, and integration strategy. Selecting technologies based on operational requirements.

03

Platform Build

Building scalable systems with regular iteration. Testing integrations, performance, and edge cases throughout development.

04

Deployment & Handover

Deploying to production, configuring monitoring, and providing operational documentation. Ongoing support available.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about platform development and infrastructure. If you have a specific question not covered here, feel free to get in touch.

I build custom business platforms, internal dashboards, customer portals, API systems and operational tools for companies that have outgrown off-the-shelf software. Typical projects include rebuilding fragile internal tools, creating portals that reduce admin work, and connecting systems through reliable APIs.

Yes. I regularly work with existing projects for improvements, feature additions, or modernisation. This includes refactoring legacy code, adding new features to established applications, migrating to modern frameworks like Next.js, and improving performance. I can audit your current codebase and provide a written assessment with recommendations before we begin.

Timelines vary based on scope and complexity. A simple application typically takes 4-6 weeks. A custom platform with moderate complexity might take 8-12 weeks. Large platforms with integrations and complex functionality can take 3-6 months. During our initial discussion, I will provide a realistic estimate based on your specific requirements.

Yes. I offer various support arrangements from ad-hoc assistance to monthly retainer agreements. Most projects include post-launch support to address any initial issues. Ongoing support can include bug fixes, security updates, feature additions, and performance monitoring. Retainer clients receive priority support.

Integrations are planned during architecture phase with proper error handling, rate limiting, and fallback strategies. I work with ERP, CRM, payment, shipping, and communication APIs. Each integration is tested thoroughly and documented for operational reference.

I work best with businesses where operations, data, workflows or customer processes depend on reliable technical systems. That can include ecommerce, professional services, property, education, B2B operations and service businesses. The priority is understanding how the business works, then building the right platform around those operational needs.

Ready to review your platform infrastructure?

Tell me about your operational requirements or technical bottlenecks. I will review your systems and provide initial thoughts on platform architecture.