Use Cases and Application Scenarios¶

Applying SF² to Real-World Situations¶

This section demonstrates how to apply the Software Factory Security Framework to common organizational scenarios. Each use case shows how the framework's components work together to guide strategic decisions.

Use Case 1: Scaling Crisis at Series B Startup¶

Situation¶

A 50-person SaaS startup (Visionary position) hits the scaling crisis: security reviews now take 2 weeks, blocking feature releases.

Framework Application¶

Strategic Position: Visionaries (Simple + High Readiness)

Contextual Modifiers: - High attack landscape maturity (SaaS target) - Moderate supply chain complexity (standard dependencies) - Strong relationship health (good dev-security collaboration)

Investment Strategy: 1. Constrain BAU: Reduce manual security reviews to critical features only 2. Scaling Investment: Implement automated security scanning + paved roads for common patterns 3. Timeline: 6-month implementation with 3x ROI expected

Outcome: Security reviews reduced from 2 weeks to 2 hours for standard patterns; manual reviews only for novel architectures.

Use Case 2: Enterprise Undergoing Digital Transformation¶

Situation¶

A 5,000-person financial services company (Challenger position) needs to modernize security while maintaining compliance and managing legacy systems.

Framework Application¶

Strategic Position: Challengers (Complex + Low Readiness)

Contextual Modifiers: - High regulatory constraints (financial services) - Low change capacity (risk-averse culture) - Moderate relationship health (improving) - Recent crisis event (audit findings)

Investment Strategy: 1. Use crisis window: Leverage audit findings for funding approval 2. Hybrid approach: Modern security for new systems, pragmatic controls for legacy 3. Extended timeline: 36-48 month transformation with phased rollout

Outcome: Gradual modernization with compliance maintained; crisis event created sustainable funding for transformation.

Use Case 3: Supply Chain Attack Response¶

Situation¶

A technology company discovers compromised dependencies used in production systems, triggering supply chain security overhaul.

Framework Application¶

Universal Stewardship Priority: Supply Chain #1 priority activated

Contextual Modifiers: - High attack landscape maturity (automated supply chain attacks) - Crisis event (compromised dependency) - Complex supply chain (multi-tier dependencies)

Response Strategy: 1. Immediate: Contain and assess impact 2. Short-term: Implement automated dependency scanning 3. Medium-term: Deploy SBOM capabilities and continuous monitoring 4. Long-term: Build supply chain security platform

Outcome: Supply chain visibility improved from quarterly manual audits to continuous automated monitoring.

Use Case 4: Moving from Niche Player to Visionary¶

Situation¶

A 20-person startup with legacy infrastructure decides to modernize their entire stack to enable faster growth.

Framework Application¶

Current Position: Niche Players (Simple + Low Readiness) Target Position: Visionaries (Simple + High Readiness)

Movement Path: Infrastructure modernization (single axis movement) - Timeline: 12-18 months - Success probability: High (single axis change)

Investment Priorities: 1. Cloud platform migration 2. CI/CD automation 3. Infrastructure-as-code 4. Automated security testing

Security Integration: - Implement security automation during modernization - Policy-as-code from the start - Avoid recreating manual processes in new infrastructure

Outcome: Successful transformation with security embedded in modern infrastructure from inception.

Use Case 5: BAU Constraint Implementation¶

Situation¶

A security team at series C company recognizes unsustainable demand growth and needs to shift from manual security reviews to scaling approach.

Framework Application¶

BAU Constraint Strategy (from Investment Portfolio):

Phase 1 - Communication (Month 1): - Transparent explanation of scaling challenge - Presentation of self-service alternatives - Clear prioritization criteria for manual reviews

Phase 2 - Alternatives (Months 2-3): - Deploy security scanning automation - Create secure templates for common patterns - Build self-service documentation

Phase 3 - Constraint (Month 4): - Limit manual reviews to novel/high-risk changes - Direct teams to self-service for standard patterns - Measure adoption and iterate

Outcome: Manual security reviews reduced 70%; security coverage improved through automation; developer satisfaction increased.

Framework Application Template¶

Use this template to apply SF² to your organization:

1. Assess Strategic Position¶

• Operational Complexity: Simple / Complex
• Operational Readiness: Lower / Higher
• Current Quadrant: ___

2. Evaluate Contextual Modifiers¶

3. Identify Priority Stewardship Areas¶

Based on position and modifiers: 1. Primary focus: __ 2. Secondary focus: __ 3. Maintenance areas: ___

4. Design Investment Portfolio¶

• BAU to constrain: ___
• Scaling investments: ___
• Timeline: ___
• Expected outcomes: ___

5. Plan Movement Path (if applicable)¶

• Current position: ___
• Target position: ___
• Movement strategy: ___
• Timeline: ___

Contributing Use Cases¶

Have you applied SF² to your organization? We welcome real-world use case contributions!

What to include: - Organizational context (anonymized) - Strategic position and modifiers - Framework application approach - Outcomes and lessons learned - Advice for similar situations

How to contribute: See Contributing Guidelines

Next Steps¶

Explore Framework Relationships Back to Implementation Guides