Application modernization is the process of updating, reducing technical debt, and optimizing existing applications to improve their performance, scalability, and security. The goal of application modernization is to ensure that applications can meet constantly changing business needs while reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
There are several techniques to assist companies in their journey. Let’s explore some, but first let’s understand the drivers:
Benefits of Modernization
Enhanced Performance (Scalability/Performance) – By updating and modernizing existing applications, companies can improve the speed, reliability, and scalability of their IT systems. This can help improve the user experience, reduce downtime, and increase productivity.
Security – As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is important to ensure that existing applications are capable of protecting against these threats. Application modernization can help improve the security of IT systems by incorporating the latest security features and best practices.
Cost Reduction (Medium – Long term) – By modernizing existing applications, companies can reduce the cost of maintaining and supporting legacy systems. Furthermore, application modernization can also help reduce costs by improving the efficiency of IT systems and processes.
New functionalities – Capacity to meet business requirements, integrate with new platforms, and develop components more agilely using cloud-native technologies.
However, application modernization has its challenges. A major challenge is that it can be difficult to determine which applications should be modernized and which should be replaced. In this regard, Tree ID developed an assessment and scoring methodology to determine the applications that will bring the fastest gains when modernized.
The 7Rs Strategy.
Re-Design
Ideal for those prepared with AI for business model disruption.
Re-Architect
Decoupling (Fig Strangler Pattern) or rewriting
Replace
Repurchase or migration to some ready-made service or solution.
Re-Platform
Architecture change, usually for cases where the application is OnP VM (virtual machine IaaS) and wants to migrate to containers in PaaS or self-hosted.
Refactoring
Refactor – This is undoubtedly the scenario that projects the most return on investment, you maximize the investment realizing it, while using modern tools to modernize at scale.
Retire
Retire your applications, they have already fulfilled their mission!
Re-Host
Also known as Lift-and-shift
In conclusion, application modernization is a valuable tool for companies seeking to enhance their IT systems. However, it requires a good understanding of existing applications and proper planning to be implemented successfully.