Project Name:
Modern Campus Middleware Project
Organization Name and Division:
Tufts University, TTS – Enterprise Applications
Year and Quarter: Q3 2024
NAICS Codes:
- 541511: Custom Computer Programming Services
- 541512: Computer Systems Design Services
- 541519: Other Computer Related Services
Overview
Launch Theory was engaged to sunset the Middleware used to connect the Destiny One (D1) Modern Campus service to the Tufts University College (UC) course registration website. The project involved replacing the existing Middleware with a simplified, modernized solution that directly integrates D1 with the Drupal website.
Our Challenge
Launch Theory was engaged by Tufts University to maintain a middleware platform between their course registration website and Modern Campus’s Destiny one course management system. The existing architecture consisted of three interconnected systems: Destiny One (a third-party course management platform), a custom-built Drupal middleware system, and the University College website. This complex integration was causing significant operational challenges, including delayed course updates, technical instabilities, and a cumbersome error-prone editorial process.
Upon initial assessment, Launch Theory discovered that the middleware system, built by a previous vendor, was incomplete and technically unstable. Drawing on their deep expertise in Drupal development and enterprise system integration, Launch Theory stabilized the existing infrastructure and made it run more smoothly
After maintaining the system for a year, Launch Theory proposed that, based on their experience with the system, it could be decommissioned. Instead, the Destiny 1 API could be directly connected to the Drupal website with a custom module, offering system simplification and significant functionality benefits.
What We Accomplished
- System Modernization: Launch Theory successfully managed concurrent Drupal version upgrades for both the middleware and University College websites, transitioning them from Drupal 7 through to the latest version. This complex migration was accomplished without disrupting ongoing course registrations or system operations.
- Architectural Transformation: Launch Theory designed and implemented a revolutionary solution – replacing the entire middleware system with a single, efficient custom Drupal module that directly integrated with Destiny One’s API. This elegant solution eliminated an entire layer of complexity from the architecture.
- Performance Optimization: The team dramatically improved system response times, reducing course update synchronization delays from hours to near real-time. This enhancement significantly streamlined the editorial workflow for course administrators.
In partnership with the University College Marketing team, Launch Theory also executed a comprehensive user experience redesign. This included:
- Reimagining course content layouts for improved visual appeal and accessibility
- Enhancing shopping page functionality and accessibility features
- Streamlining the course registration process
The project’s success led to additional engagements, including a complete rebuild of the University College website.
The final solution achieved multiple strategic objectives:
- Reduced annual operating costs by over $50,000
- Eliminated problematic synchronization delays between systems
- Significantly improved system stability and reliability
- Enhanced the user experience for both administrators and students
- Streamlined the technical architecture for easier maintenance and future upgrades
“When we first took on this project, it was purely to maintain the existing system,” notes Greg Stout, Launch Theory’s founder. “I was proud that my team looked beyond the immediate task and started asking fundamental questions about system necessity and efficiency. Instead of simply maintaining the middleware, we identified an opportunity to completely streamline their processes. We essentially designed our way out of a maintenance contract, but this kind of integrity is what builds lasting partnerships. By reimagining the entire architecture, we not only eliminated unnecessary complexity but also helped Tufts realize significant cost savings they could redirect to other strategic initiatives. We’re commitment to being a true long term partner and we’re here to create long-term value, even when that means recommending solutions that reduce our immediate scope of work.”
Greg Stout, Founder and CEO Launch Theory
Project Timeline: 4 Months
Phase 1
Documentation and Analysis of Existing Middleware Solution
Phase 2
Code Rebuild and Testing
Phase 3
Quality Assurance and Post-Launch Cleanup

Services Used
- System Architecture
- Drupal CMS Development
- Drupal CMS Maintenance
- Modern Campus Support: Destiny One API
- Multiple System Integration
- Performance Optimization
- API Optimization
- Quality Assurance & Regression Testing
- Automated Testing with Selenium
- Accessibility Compliance, 508, WCAG

Key Technologies
- Drupal CMS
- Modern Campus: Destiny One API
- Selenium/Cypress

Deliverables
- Modernized system architecture
- Custom Drupal Module: Destiny One API connector. In a fully documented code repo on Github.
- Automated test scripts for continuous validation.
- Updated course import and synchronization management features.
- Internal programmer training on the custom Drupal module
Results
The Middleware project streamlined Tufts University College’s course registration system by replacing a complex middleware layer with direct integration.
- Successfully replaced complex middleware with streamlined direct Drupal – Modern Campus D1 Integration
- Completed concurrent Drupal version upgrades without service disruption
- Implemented near real-time course synchronization
- Redesigned course content layouts for improved accessibility
- Enhanced shopping page functionality and user experience
Metric Results:
- Reduced course update synchronization time from hours to under 5 minutes
- Reduced annual operating costs by over $50,000Increased student satisfaction and enrollment rates by 20%
- Improved overall system stability and reliability, resulting in less downtime
This transformation project showcases Launch Theory’s ability to tackle complex integration and data management challenges while delivering substantial business value. By combining deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and user-centered design, Launch Theory turned a problematic system into a streamlined, efficient platform that better serves both Tufts University staff and students.