Scaling into SaaS & Cloud
The world changed in 2020. Businesses that had relied on in-person interactions suddenly needed robust online systems. COVID-19 wasn't just a health crisis; it was a technological catalyst. Demand for remote-ready software skyrocketed, and clients turned to me not just for websites or e-commerce stores, but for mission-critical cloud platforms.
Embracing Modern Stacks
To meet these demands, I evolved my stack. My earlier work with PHP and WordPress had given me a strong foundation, but the projects now required more scalability, performance, and flexibility. I shifted toward:
- Node.js for fast, asynchronous API development
- React / Next.js for modern, interactive frontends
- PostgreSQL for relational database management with strict schema control
- Docker for containerized deployments, ensuring consistency across staging and production environments
This was the era where I stopped calling myself "just a developer." I had become a SaaS architect — someone who could design systems end-to-end, from infrastructure to UI, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance.
Multi-Tenant Platforms
One of the key challenges was building multi-tenant applications. Unlike single-site projects, SaaS platforms need to serve multiple clients from the same codebase while keeping their data siloed and secure. I designed schemas that allowed businesses and their users to each have controlled access to their own data, with strict role-based permissions.
Key Projects (2020–2023)
Recycle POS
A multi-branch point-of-sale system for a recycling company with 7 branches and 350+ employees. Featured real-time weighbridge integration, advanced float systems, and enterprise-grade reporting — handling thousands of daily transactions with 99.8% uptime.
Rewards & Loyalty Micro Node.js API
A microservice-based loyalty and rewards API that allowed e-commerce businesses to track and manage customer engagement across platforms.
Push Notifications Micro Node.js API
A real-time notification system, built as a lightweight Node.js API, enabling businesses to communicate instantly with users across devices.
NewsNet AI Drafter Cloud App
A content automation tool using AI-assisted drafting for news and publishing teams. Combined modern frontend UI with a secure cloud-native backend.
Shopify Credits System App
A credits and loyalty system integrated directly into Shopify, supporting split payments, customer balances, and subscription-linked credits.
Shopify Enrollment Application
A custom Shopify app for seamless customer enrollment, integrating with external APIs and databases while preserving Shopify-native login and checkout flows.
[MIA Cloud Healthcare Platform] (March 2023 – Present)
The beginning of my healthcare SaaS journey. A secure cloud platform designed for dentists and patients, including:
- Treatment notes and medical records with strict auditing
- Patient portals and appointment booking
- Billing and insurance claim modules
- Role-based access control with multi-tenant schemas
- HIPAA & HITECH compliance frameworks
Security & Compliance First
Enterprise SaaS projects demanded more than just functional code. They required trust and compliance. This meant building:
- Auditing tables to track every action and data change
- Token-based access controls (JWT with refresh tokens)
- Role-based middleware to enforce permissions at every level
- Data encryption both at rest and in transit
These weren't optional features — they were the backbone of scalable, secure systems.
Strategic Consulting
Another big shift was my role with clients. Instead of waiting for a task list, I now often shaped the roadmap:
- Advising on database structures and how they'd scale
- Recommending cloud hosting solutions (DigitalOcean, AWS, Vercel)
- Balancing "MVP speed" with "enterprise reliability"
- Planning security and compliance from day one
Clients began to see me less as a contractor and more as a partner in product development.
The Evolution of My Identity
Looking back, this period was a transformation. I had moved:
- From single sites → to multi-branch systems
- From WordPress plugins → to Node.js microservices
- From WooCommerce extensions → to multi-tenant SaaS platforms
- From enterprise systems → to healthcare SaaS (2023)
By the end of 2023, this evolution had crystallized into a new identity. I was ready to channel this expertise into something larger than myself — what became Villiers Vision Works (VVW Software), officially founded at the end of 2024.