It is essential to a correct study of the modules required before deciding on any further development.
It is a multi portal transcendent in terms of modules and components selected.
It will be very important to the valuation of common components, not only those provided by Drupal, but categories, views, data types defined to simplify future developments.
For all these reasons, an approach component-oriented architecture is one of the keys to the success of the product.
The peace of knowing that this functionality is already solved by the X component, for addressing development as if it were a big Lego, to know what parts are available and have direct example of how those pieces interrelate.
Therefore the approach to a portal should be a part of architecture.
We must not isolate the development of the portal of the implementation of all the portals.
Therefore there will be common components and specific components for this portal.
These components may be physical and logical.
Physical components are all provided by Drupal therefore attributable physically, such as modules, themes, templates, etc.
And software components generated by the product from them, such as blocks, views and the same modules, themes and templates.
A good architecture must consider the existing common components to minimize further developments and to join efforts in fighting for the final product quality.
Therefore, the continued study of modules and the daily documentation of selected components and developed is considered crucial for the successful architecture is deployed properly and enjoy the benefits of the product.
As you can see, this method of components is beyond Drupal
Let this be a product, but the philosophy of documentary and art studio continued deployment possibilities is and shall apply to any products that are focused on how components, so bazaar, as is often phrased as always being free.