About

D5 Software is led by Shawn Drake, a software architect with over a decade of experience modernizing legacy systems.

Shawn Drake, owner of D5 Software

I specialize in helping businesses stabilize and modernize systems that have become difficult to maintain. My approach is practical and measured - I focus on delivering real improvements without the risk of big-bang rewrites.

My experience spans the full stack: from database optimization and backend architecture to frontend development and infrastructure automation. This breadth allows me to see the whole picture and identify the highest-impact improvements.

Before consulting, I worked as a senior engineer at companies where I owned critical legacy systems end-to-end. I know what it's like to be responsible for a system that can't go down, and I bring that perspective to every engagement.

One more thing worth knowing about how D5 works: I take on clients of every size. Mid-sized companies get senior-level modernization and integration work. Main-street, family-owned businesses get shared tools they can actually afford. The first is what makes the second possible, and I'm not shy about that. If you're the mid-sized client, it tells you something about how I'll treat you: the same conviction that keeps a family business's website running for hosting-fee prices is the one that means I'll never sell you work you don't need.

Areas of Expertise

PHP & Node.js modernization
Vue.js & Nuxt applications
Database optimization
Legacy ERP & line-of-business systems
AI integration & MCP server development
AWS infrastructure
CI/CD and deployment automation
System architecture and design

My Approach

Incremental Over Big-Bang

Large rewrites fail. I deliver value in small, safe steps that compound over time.

Business-Aware Technical Decisions

Every technical choice affects the business. I help you weigh the tradeoffs so nothing catches you off guard.

Knowledge Transfer

My goal is to leave your team more capable, not create dependency on me.

Modern Tooling, Practical Application

I use AI-assisted workflows to accelerate refactoring, testing, and documentation - so modernization moves faster without cutting corners.

Ready to Work Together?

Let's discuss how I can help with your legacy system challenges.

Book a Discovery Call