Running ArchLex as a service, AI Code Tools

ArchLex Agency Implementation, Productizing Cloud Architecture Design

Learn how to deliver validated cloud architecture diagrams as a productized service by integrating ArchLex into your code review workflow and client portals. This course covers self-hosted deployment, MCP server setup with Claude and Cursor, embedding diagram generation in client deliverables, and building retainer-based architecture review services that prevent costly infrastructure mistakes.

Open the decision record for ArchLex

What does running ArchLex for clients commit you to?

Published figures for this service. Blank fields are not published.

Monthly tool cost
Not published
Time to first value
Hours (published time_to_value)
Payback
Not modeled
Guided implementation
8 hours

Is ArchLex worth running as a client service?

ArchLex is open source with no published paid tier, so the vendor cost basis is $0 and agency economics depend entirely on labor and tooling you supply. The evidence supports a managed cloud architecture diagramming service, but no client price, usage volume, or margin data exists to model ROI.

An agency-fit judgement for reselling this service. It is separate from the tool description on the decision record.

Before you start

What has to be in place before the first client engagement.

Tools and subscriptions

  • ArchLex DSL and SVG rendering environment
  • MCP-capable coding agent such as Claude, Cursor, Codex, or VS Code
  • Access to the client's AWS, GCP, or Kubernetes architecture context
  • Embeddable ArchLex npm packages for browser or Node.js diagram rendering

People and inputs

  • Technical staff comfortable with cloud architecture and DSL-based source files
  • Version control workflow for diffing and reviewing text-based diagram source
  • Validation review process for AWS, GCP, and Kubernetes rule checks
  • Process for standing up the remote HTTP MCP endpoint used by AI agents

Estimated investment: ArchLex is open source and MIT licensed with no account required, so the vendor cost is $0. No paid pricing tiers are published; the agency must supply labor, cloud access, and agent tooling costs.

Included with the course

7 working documents for delivering this service.

  • ArchLex Self-Hosted Deployment Checklistchecklist
  • MCP Server Integration Setup for Claude and Cursorsop
  • Architecture Validation Workflow Templatetemplate
  • Client Portal Diagram Embedding Guideguide
  • ArchLex DSL Quick Reference for Architectsworksheet
  • Retainer Pricing Model for Architecture Review Servicestemplate
  • AWS, GCP, and Kubernetes Compliance Audit Checklistchecklist

Listed by name. These documents are not yet published as individual downloads.