Do you do consulting even if we don't build with you?

Yes, explicitly. Our consulting is independent of later development. You pay for advice, not for a veiled sales pitch. We also recommend solutions we don't build ourselves.

Which technologies can you evaluate?

Web frontend (React, Vue, Angular, Svelte), backend (.NET, Node.js, Python, Go), mobile (React Native, Flutter, native iOS/Android), cloud and infrastructure (Kubernetes, Docker, Hetzner, AWS, Azure, GCP). Not: Salesforce customization, SAP parameterization.

How does an architecture workshop work?

One day on-site or remote. We review your documentation and codebase in advance (0.5 days). Then joint whiteboarding with your team. Output: written architecture sketch, risk assessment, and prioritized next steps.

Are you neutral, or do you sell later?

Neutral. We have no vendor interest in a specific cloud or framework. Our recommendation is independent of whether you build with us afterwards or not. If yes: happy to. If not: equally happy.

Second opinion before you decide

Independent advice on architecture, stack decisions, and modernization. Code reviews and feasibility studies for SMEs in DACH.

Request a code review

Clarity Before the First Step

A code review at Fragon Studios costs between 1,200 and 4,500 euros in 2026, depending on codebase size; hourly rate is approximately 190 euros net. Fragon Studios offers architecture consulting independently of whether the client commissions the implementation. Many software projects fail not during implementation but because of wrong decisions at the start. The wrong tech stack, an unsuitable architecture, or unrealistic timelines cost more in the end than any consulting. We bring experience from our own products; our recommendations are based on what works in production, not on what's trendy in blog posts.

Independent

We also recommend solutions we don't implement ourselves. Our goal is your success, not our revenue.

Practical Experience

We run our own software in production. Our recommendations come from practice, not textbooks.

Concrete

No vague statements. You get clear recommendations with reasoning and concrete next steps.

Our Consulting Process

Transparent, agile, and goal-oriented to success.

Initial Meeting

Free and non-binding. We understand your situation and clarify if we can help.

Analysis

Depending on scope: Code review, architecture analysis, stakeholder conversations, or technical evaluation.

Documented Recommendation

You receive a written report with concrete recommendations and next steps.

Optional: Implementation

If desired, we accompany implementation or take over development ourselves.

Technical Standards

Experience from own products

Written report with recommendations

Technology-agnostic evaluation

Stakeholder interviews on request

Implementation support optional

Our Consulting Services

Architecture reviews of existing systems

Technology decisions and stack consulting

Feasibility analyses for new projects

Code reviews and quality analyses

Modernization strategies for legacy systems

Second opinion on critical tech decisions

When Does Consulting Make Sense?

Before Major Investments

Planning a new system or modernization? We help decide which path is right.

Project Is Stuck

Current project not progressing? We analyze the situation and show ways out.

External Expertise Needed

Your team needs a second opinion? We provide an independent assessment without self-interest.

Typical engagements

Four recurring consulting situations. Not exhaustive, just a sense of the range.

GDPR audit for a SaaS provider

Problem: An Austrian SaaS provider is facing a data-protection audit and needs an honest gap assessment up front.

Solution: Two days of code and architecture review against GDPR Art. 28 to 32, a written report with prioritised findings, quick wins, and a hardening plan.

Tech due diligence before acquisition

Problem: An investor is evaluating a software company and needs an independent read on the code, architecture, and scaling risks.

Solution: Three to five days of repository walkthrough, architecture workshop with the CTO, written report with a risk score and an estimated remediation cost.

Architecture review of a legacy monolith

Problem: A long-grown system needs to move to the cloud, but the team disagrees on the migration path.

Solution: Two-day workshop with all stakeholders, evaluation of three migration paths (lift-and-shift, strangler, greenfield), a recommendation with rationale and a roadmap.

Stack decision for a greenfield project

Problem: A new product is in the concept phase and the team needs a second opinion on stack, hosting, and build-vs-buy decisions.

Solution: One-day workshop, stack comparison matrix (e.g. Next.js vs. Remix, .NET vs. Node), recommendation with clearly documented trade-offs.

What consulting costs

The initial meeting is always free. Hourly rate is approximately 190 euros net. An honest review of a mid-size codebase takes one to three days and delivers a written report with prioritized findings.

Guideline prices for Austria and Germany 2026.
Scope	Price range	Duration	Typical use
Code review	1,200-4,500 €	1-3 days	Written report, prioritized findings, concrete recommendations
Architecture workshop	from 1,500 €	1 day	On-site or remote whiteboarding, written architecture sketch, risk assessment
Feasibility analysis	from 3,000 €	1-2 weeks	Technical evaluation incl. effort estimate and stack recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Hourly rate approximately 190 euros net. An honest review of a mid-size codebase takes one to three days, so 1,200 to 4,500 euros. This is a package price including a written report with prioritized findings and concrete recommendations, which is why it sits above the plain project day rate of 1,100 euros.