What is Legacy System Modernization?

Integrating legacy systems with modern technologies is one of the crucial tasks that businesses struggle with most of the time. But, as expected, many businesses have built the necessary infrastructure based on legacy and hybrid systems for their needs.

However, today, we are going through a phase where cloud computing and a SaaS revolution. So, there occurs friction between the legacy and modern systems. While there is no single solution for the problem, legacy system modernization presents itself as a neat starting point. And you might have heard about legacy system modernization if you have considered keeping your business updated.

But what exactly is legacy system modernization? How does it work? And if it works, how can you implement legacy system modernization with your business? Do not worry about these big questions; we have answers for them in this article.

What Is Legacy System Modernization?

Before discussing legacy system modernization, you should understand what legacy systems are.

A legacy system uses comparatively older technologies to function. For instance, it could be using traditional hosting instead of cloud hosting resources. Similarly, older and less effective APIs and codes could be in use by these systems. When the entire organization relies on legacy infrastructures, there are not many issues. But an organization has to make upgrades and move towards better productivity and adaptability, right?

This progression is not a one-dimensional process. On the other hand, it involves the integration with other new technologies and services. For instance, an organization may already have a legacy system for logistics and warehouse management. The problem arises when it wants to make use of multi-location tracking and SaaS integration for overall betterment.

It is this void that legacy system modernization tries to fill. In the simplest words, the process of legacy system modernization will make sure that legacy systems are optimized enough to work with modern tech. Of course, based on the environment and the industry, the components of the legacy system modernization are subject to change. You cannot have a universal formula for the process and expect it to work.

As we mentioned earlier, legacy system modernization does not work as a single-dimensional process. The process involves a plethora of changes in multiple aspects. For example, let’s consider a SaaS company that wants to expand the possibilities of its integration. It has to make sure that the new changes are aligned with the current regulations and industry expectations.

Similarly, the new system must be able to carry over the assets from the legacy system without any issues. It is also worth noting that legacy system modernization requires a proper strategy. Without one, you may end up having more issues than you had in the first place.

The Importance of Evaluation

As stressed by industry experts and analysts, probably the biggest step in legacy system modernization is what you do before the process. Any step toward legacy system modernization should be preceded by a thorough understanding and evaluation of legacy systems and what they require. Similarly required is a clear understanding of what the new system will be.

Gartner, a trusted name in these matters, recommends a seven-step process when it comes to legacy system modernization. They are:

• Encapsulate
• Rehost
• Replatform
• Refactor
• Rearchitect
• Rebuild
• Replace

Each of these steps will make sure that, when an application is shifted from a legacy system into a modern system, will work as it is expected to. Of course, it is a gradual process, and it is only in the last steps that we see a complete replacement of the older system. Until this point, the legacy system and the modern system will remain in a composite state.

How to Enable Legacy System Modernization?

Now that you know why legacy system modernization is an important factor, let’s talk about how to enable the same in your organization.

There are a few ways to go about it, but the best solution will be to make use of custom enterprise software development services for your business. When you choose the service provider, you will have to consider a few factors. For instance, you should check if the services are capable of coming up with a strategy for the process. Similarly, the right approach should be selected and executed in the right order. Otherwise, the real effects of legacy system modernization may take time to get implemented.

Conclusion

Sustenance of the system is quite important, and you would not want to make changes every year. So, it is a better decision to choose an improved set of hardware and software when you modernize legacy systems in your organization. In this way, you can reduce the potential requirements of changes in the future.

At the end of the day, productivity is not something that you would want to change every year, right? And the tech you use should not come in the middle. What do you think about legacy system modernization and its effects? Do let us know in the comments.