1. **Modular Design**: Use microservices to isolate new features, reducing risk to the main system. 2. **Feature Flags**: Control feature rollouts, enabling selective exposure and feedback. 3. **Progressive Rollouts**: Deploy new features gradually to mitigate widespread impact. 4. **Automated Testing & Monitoring**: Ensure reliability with comprehensive testing and real-time monitoring. 5. **Backward Compatibility**: Maintain seamless integration with existing components. 6. **Blue/Green Deployments**: Enable easy rollback to stable versions if issues arise. 7. **Resilience**: Use load testing and redundancy to strengthen system stability. 8. **Cross-Team Collaboration**: Engage teams to assess risks and enhance maintainability.

Core functions is number one issue , and the modularity is the key of easy splitting , real scenario test is first line finally the enterprise architecture is the secret weapon

Don't. "Cutting edge features" usually means introducing unpredictability into your system. If system reliability is the goal, use boring technology that is reliable, predictable, and has a proven track record.

To balance cutting-edge features with system reliability, start with a modular architecture that allows you to add new features without impacting core systems. Use proven patterns like microservices or event-driven design to isolate new components. Prioritize robust testing, CI/CD pipelines, and gradual feature rollouts to catch issues early. Consider feature toggles for controlled deployment. Always assess the impact of new tech on stability, and if necessary, implement a phased approach to ensure the system remains reliable as you innovate.

Never compromise system reliability and security, that's has to be a hard line. It's very tempting to adopt new technologies and flashy features that can potentially overshadow your core principles. AI is a good example these days. When adopting these things, keep in mind your original requirements and ask the business value of what you are trying to achieve. Then responsibly look at how to build out or leverage new technologies that don't compromise your original beliefs.

We use low-code platform Eccentex and “prototyping approach. That helps business users to understand their real needs and save project budget. Non-functional requirements are mostly handled by infrastructure

System reliability is a critical quality aspect of any feature, essential for user satisfaction. Unreliable, cutting-edge features can negatively impact user experience. To mitigate this, consider releasing innovative features as alpha or beta versions, gathering user feedback while refining reliability and quality for the final product launch.

I use the "count your miracles" method. One (and only one) miracle required: the project will probaly succeed, either as specced, or with only minor functionality concessions. Two miracles (no more, no less) required: the project is about 50/50 in danger of total failure. The best you can realistically expect is significant functionality concessions. Three or more miracles required: Update your resume and get a divorce lawyer on retainer; the project is gonna go down in flames and there's little hope of saving it.