Explaining MACH architecture benefits — and how we use it for client projects

MACH architecture represents a significant shift in how we build websites and apps for clients. Instead of relying on monolithic, all-in-one platforms, MACH leverages the power of independent, interconnected services to create robust and adaptable digital experiences. In this blog post, we explain what MACH architecture is, how it works, and the benefits of using it for our client projects.

What is MACH architecture? 

MACH architecture isn't about a single technology but rather a combination of architectural approaches that provide a blueprint for building modern digital experiences. It stands for Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless.

Microservices (M)

Functionality is broken down into small, independent services for things like product information, user authentication, or payment processing. This allows you to choose the best tool for each job, update services independently, and scale individual components as needed.

API-first (A)

All services communicate with each other and with the front-end website or app through APIs (application programming interfaces). This decoupling provides enormous flexibility in how content is presented and allows users to use the same content across multiple platforms.

Cloud-native (C)

MACH architecture favors cloud-based services hosted by hyperscalers like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. This offers benefits like on-demand scaling, high availability, and reduced infrastructure management. You don't need to worry about server maintenance, network infrastructure, and physical plants – the cloud provider handles it.

Headless (H)

A headless CMS focuses solely on managing content and delivering it via an API. It doesn't care how that content is presented, allowing you to use any frontend technology you prefer and deliver content to any channel.

Why choose MACH architecture? 

MACH architecture offers several key benefits for our client projects:

• Future-proof: Our websites and apps can adapt to changing technology and business needs without being locked into a specific vendor.

• Faster development: Using pre-built services and cloud platforms speeds up development time and maximizes our clients’ budgets.

• Improved performance and scalability: Cloud-native architecture and independent services allow for better performance and easier scaling, with a lower cost investment for our clients than if they had to host these services themselves.

• Greater flexibility and customization: Headless architecture and the API-first approach give us complete control over the front-end experience and how to present content, allowing us to provide custom experiences for our client’s projects.

• Best-of-breed approach: This modularity allows us to choose the best tools for each specific task rather than being limited by a monolithic platform.

We've embraced MACH architecture for some ArcTouch clients' websites. MACH helps clients meet their evolving business needs, maximize their available budget, and build lovable app and website experiences that can easily scale and be future-proof as technologies evolve.

Client Project 1: The world’s largest printer company

Challenge: HP needed a platform to deliver printable content to users in over 30 countries, requiring support for multiple languages, regions, and varying traffic patterns. Efficient content management and seamless integration with existing HP systems were also crucial.

MACH solution:

• Microservices: We implemented separate microservices for content delivery, user authentication, download management, and multi-language/region handling. This granular approach allows for independent scaling and updates.

• API-first: RESTful APIs and an API gateway facilitate communication between services and ensure secure connections with existing HP systems via middleware.

• Cloud-native: A multi-region cloud infrastructure with CDN and auto-scaling capabilities ensures global content delivery and consistent performance.

• Headless: Contentstack, a headless CMS, empowers content contributors with efficient management tools while a React.js/Next.js front end provides a flexible and engaging user experience.

Results: MACH architecture enables HP Printables to scale successfully across 30+ countries, manage content efficiently across regions, and maintain consistent performance. The headless CMS proves invaluable for managing diverse content, while the microservices architecture provides the flexibility needed for future expansion.

Key Takeaway: MACH architecture is ideally suited for projects requiring global scalability and complex content management.

Client Project 2: A global pet insurance company

Challenge: Trupanion, a global pet insurance company, needed a platform to connect pet owners, veterinarians, and internal staff, streamlining complex insurance workflows and supporting global expansion. The platform also needed to comply with stringent security and regulatory requirements, integrate with existing systems, and handle localized content.

MACH solution:

• Microservices: Core services were implemented for policy management, veterinary and member portals, and payment processing (integrated with Stripe). Supporting services handle authentication, compliance, and document management.

• API-first: RESTful APIs, a secure API gateway, and OAuth2 authentication ensure secure communication and integration with external systems, including the Stripe payment gateway.

• Cloud-native: A multi-region cloud deployment addresses data residency requirements while auto-scaling, load balancing, and caching ensure scalability and performance.

• Headless: Contentful, a headless CMS, facilitates multi-language content management and region-specific workflows, including regulatory content approvals. A Next.js frontend provides a dynamic and user-friendly interface.

Results: The MACH architecture enables a compliant, efficient multi-stakeholder platform with seamless payment integration and effective content management across regions. The headless approach simplifies content localization and regulatory workflows.

Key Takeaway: MACH architecture is a great fit for regulated industries requiring complex integrations and multi-language content management.

Client Project 3: A billion-dollar aviation manufacturer

Challenge: Cirrus, a personal aviation manufacturer, needed a platform to manage and deliver content to a global audience of pilots and airplane owners, integrate with existing aircraft systems and software, and support future expansion. Efficient content management and handling varying traffic patterns are also key requirements.

MACH solution:

• Microservices: We designed microservices for content delivery, user authentication, document management, and aircraft monitoring.

• API-first: RESTful APIs, a middleware layer, and an API gateway facilitate communication between services and ensure secure connections with existing systems and aircraft.

• Cloud-native: A CDN and auto-scaling capabilities ensure global content delivery and consistent performance.

• Headless: A WordPress to Contentstack migration empowers content contributors, while a Next.js frontend provides a modern and engaging user experience.

Results: The MACH architecture will power a scalable platform for connecting its aviation ecosystem. The headless approach will be crucial for managing diverse content, while microservices will provide the flexibility needed for integrating with aircraft systems and future expansion.

Key Takeaway: MACH architecture is ideal for the aviation industry, offering the scalability and flexibility needed to connect complex systems and deliver content globally.

MACH architecture: The right tool for the right job

ArcTouch is a MACH Alliance member through WPP, a Stripe Services Implementation Specialized Partner, and a preferred solutions provider for world-class headless CMS solutions.

Our experience across diverse projects has shown us the power and flexibility of MACH architecture. It's proven to be an invaluable approach for building scalable, adaptable, and future-proof digital experiences. However, it's important to remember that MACH isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. While ideal for complex projects with evolving needs, simpler websites with limited integrations and content might not require the complexity of MACH.

For example, a small marketing website with static content could be efficiently built with a traditional CMS like WordPress and a simpler hosting setup. Similarly, projects with extremely tight budgets or strict legacy system dependencies might find the transition to MACH challenging. 

At ArcTouch, we take a strategic approach to choosing the right technology for every project, ensuring the architecture choice aligns with our clients' business goals and technical needs. We consider factors like scalability, content complexity, integration requirements, and budget constraints.

While MACH architecture is a powerful tool in our toolbox, we always aim to choose the right solution for the right job and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Need help deciding if MACH is right for your app or website?

ArcTouch has been architecting, designing, and building lovable apps and websites for more than 15 years. Contact us to learn how we can help you to create your next digital experience.