High-performance instrumentation for large research infrastructure projects is frequently either the key enabling element or the key limiting factor driving overall performance of the research infrastructure. Terms like software-defined-radio, software defined instrumentation, reconfigurable hardware, synthetic instruments are just few indicators indicators that software is becoming more and more an integral part of any serious instrumentation device. This on the other hand is challenging conventional approaches to control system design. In this article contrast between the front-end vs. back-end view from the RF engineering and software designer point of view is used as an example to illustrate the need for a more holistic approach when designing systems and subsystems of large research infrastructures.