In addition to keeping up with the evolving market, your application should be user-friendly and provide a great user experience to stand out from your competition.
Modernization of applications is a rising concern for businesses, mainly due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Why? because business leaders feel more pressure to create new ideas. Digital technology, remote working, and increasing customer expectations are some of the main reasons. No industry is unaffected by these changes. Companies must adapt to be successful. This is why many companies choose to adopt digital transformation.
If businesses modernize their apps, they create new processes and the infrastructure to support the new processes. An effective strategy for modernizing apps can cut down on the resources needed for running an app, increase the frequency and reliability of deployments, increase reliability and uptime, and many more things. The modernization of apps can allow businesses to boost software development and launch faster by updating the business processes, reducing the cost of maintenance, and making information easier to access.
What is Application Modernization?
Application modernization process improves a company's software delivery performance by updating older legacy software systems rather than replacing them.
Modernized application refers to updating software to make it compatible with the latest computing technology. It involves updating old frameworks, languages, infrastructure platforms, frameworks, etc.
For instance, we can consider this as a renovation of an old house to make it more secure, practical, straightforward, and attractive in its appearance, design, etc. This process is known as "legacy application modernization."
Modernizing outdated applications can prolong their life span rather than completely replace them. This way, your company can profit from the latest technological advances.
Many companies have made a wise investment in their current applications portfolios. It is possible to get rid of this old software and upgrade them to the most recent versions. But, this could cost a lot from a financial and operational point of view. An application modernization solution is the best way to take advantage of the latest platforms, tools, and frameworks.
Why Modernize your Apps?
Application modernization is a process that renews legacy software by improving its reliability, speed, functionality, and integration capabilities.
Custom software solutions are becoming increasingly important as businesses grow and prosper. They can add more functionality and flexibility to the business process.
People who continue to use legacy software and systems may slow growth and expansion. This is because they are unable to integrate new systems or add functionality.
Companies can update their software to gain access to new capabilities and features.
The customer experience can be affected by legacy applications that are no longer in use, which can have a negative impact on the company's overall brand image.
Businesses don't have to invest much money to keep up with the latest technology. Modernization of applications is a cost-effective option that significantly improves flexibility, collaboration, and productivity.
Older platforms may be more difficult to use and may have features that are not compatible with current technology. Updating legacy applications from time to time is important to keep them running smoothly.
What Technologies are key to App Modernization?
Modernization of applications requires several technologies.
- Cloud Computing Cloud: technologies support an increasing number of digital transformation initiatives. Modernization of applications is no exception. Today, the cloud is the primary destination for application migration efforts. This includes private cloud, hybrid cloud, and public cloud platforms.
- Containers: Software container and container management platforms, particularly Kubernetes, have become a standard in strategic application delivery. Companies are deploying multiple infrastructures across multiple cloud and operating environments. It is crucial that applications can be used in different locations and remain portable.
- Microservices: microservices allow you to decouple different parts of your application into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be deployed and updated independently.
- Orchestration & Automation: Orchestration is a method of automating many container operations. This includes scaling, networking, and deployment.
Myths about Application Modernization
Modernizing apps is costly: On-premises systems can be expensive to maintain and necessitate specialized support for various processes. On-premises systems have high software license and data storage costs. Another expense that can have an impact on a company's profits is maintenance. Did you know that maintenance costs can reduce a company's profit?
- 48.5% of UK workers waste more than three hours a day due to legacy systems. This is equivalent to 960 work days for a company employing 5,000 people.
- According to a study of the costs of maintaining legacy systems in the United States, maintaining ten government legacy systems costs approximately $337,000,000 per year.
- CIO Insight estimates that businesses in America lose as much as $1.8 trillion annually due to obsolete technology.
App modernization is a cost-effective way to reduce costs and increase flexibility and scalability. We can say this for certain. We've written a blog about the cloud's hidden and visible costs and how it can improve ROI. Quick Hint: You can save more money if you use the cloud for longer. The majority of cloud service providers provide discounts for cloud usage. Cloud computing can not only save you money, but it also has hidden costs. App modernization allows data storage to be managed, which reduces infrastructure costs. Automation shifts resources within the company to more important tasks, increasing productivity and output efficiency.
After Modernization, Organizations will need more Skilled Workers:
Maintaining legacy applications will require skilled workers with a good understanding of technology and legacy apps. It's becoming harder to find skilled workers who can work with obsolete technologies, and hiring them is getting more expensive. Modernization can reduce data maintenance, IT costs, and infrastructure. Cisin is a knowledgeable partner who can help you modernize your applications. We can assist you in deciding on a low-code platform and service combination. Low-code platforms make it easier to create and update apps more quickly. Developers can share functionality with other stakeholders within hours or days. This will allow employees to concentrate on the most important functions and increase workplace morale. A productive workplace is a better place to work.
Application Modernization is about Improving the User Interface:
While improving the user interface is an excellent way to boost user engagement, it is not the only aspect of app modernization. In applications, complex workflows are common. A simple UI Improvement does not always improve the user experience. Only the usability component is included in UX. Other components, such as extensibility, accessibility, and accessibility, heavily depend on the application's technology composition. To have a meaningful impact on user experience, modernization efforts must be applied extensively to all app layers.
Modernization of Applications through Automatic and Intelligent Observation
Partner with tools and partners that offer multi-cloud observability to help you execute an effective application modernization strategy. For example, the Cisin Software Intelligence Platform provides intelligent and automatic observability that simplifies cloud and application modernization and accelerates digital transformation.
Cisin's AI engine removes all guesswork. It provides AI-powered insights that cover your entire environment. This includes logs, metrics, and traces. A full topological model includes distributed tracing, entity relationships, code level detail, and user experiences. Davis automatically detects cloud-related events and provides information to teams.
What are Common Types of App Modernization?
The most popular methods of modernizing applications are:
- Rehosting: Also referred to as "lift and shift," Rehosting is moving servers and programs from the current system to a public cloud infrastructure. For companies that are just beginning a journey to modernize using rehosting. This method doesn't require changes to the code, features, or functions. The business logic is maintained, and data transformation is done on the cloud.
- Refactoring: This method of modernization of an application involves taking an older application and retooling substantial portions of its code to run better in a new setting, usually the cloud. It helps in removing technical debt and also improves functional aspects that are not needed.
- Replatforming: It is similar to Refactoring and rehosting the application. It allows moving applications already in the cloud to another environment without making significant changes. Replatforming can be described as changing the application's functionality to use cloud-native managed databases or running system(s) and middleware that it works using and containerizing the application. Replatforming allows enterprises to improve their applications' capacity and increase developers' productivity.
- Replacing: The application is no longer required in a cloud-based environment; it's recommended to withdraw it. The reasons to replace an application are that it has no value or capabilities duplicated in another environment, or it's more economical to replace it using a new application rather than migrating it.
Benefits of Application Modernization
Suppose an application can do its job and is reliable. Why should anyone invest time and money to change any aspect of it? At the very least, five advantages of modernizing applications are worth considering.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Today, business is a battleground. Many companies are offering the same products and services. What makes some brands stand out in the endless shuffle of similar businesses? Recent research shows that customer satisfaction is just as important as the cost. 74% of customers are willing to pay more for a more satisfying customer experience.
Legacy software isn't able to provide the best customer experience. Modern applications guarantee efficient operation and more stable systems. Faster fixes, more sophisticated communication, and more secure business. All of this positively affects the user experience.
Read More: Application Modernization Services Can Upgrade your Outdated Software
Removing Technical Debt
The number of technical debts increases if the integrity of the code is compromised due to hurriedness. Short deadlines usually lead to the absence of documentation, bugs, or the absence of testing. Changes in developers also result in technical debt.
The effects of technical debt include the following:
- rising maintenance costs due to increasing maintenance costs due to code complexity
- inability to include new features
- Each part depends on the other part; therefore, you can't fix something without damaging other parts.
- More time is spent keeping the system running rather than working on its future development.
The amount of technical debt could become to the point that, at certain points, the developers will not be able to make any decisions regarding the code any longer. People who are not tech-savvy may want to limit the enhancement of something they don't understand or can't see; however, they will be able to see the negative results clearly in the final.
Flexible to Create New Features & Services
When selecting the software for business, The initial thought is that it must meet their needs as a business without weighing the program's benefits. But, businesses are always willing to adapt and change their strategies to incorporate the latest technology and developments. However, when the old system is deemed obsolete, it becomes difficult for businesses to keep up with the modern demands of customers.
Modernization of applications allows companies to design new services and features that meet the current needs of their business and feature objectives. Furthermore, businesses can modify these features to ensure that legacy applications will remain valuable.
Improves The Productivity of Employees
One of the main advantages of modernizing your application that is often ignored is the efficiency of employees. Administrators and developers are usually more productive when they have access to simple technology and can eliminate tedious tasks.
Modernization of applications can streamline routine tasks and reduce repetitive processes, allowing employees to use their time more efficiently. Modernized systems can also lead to fewer problems with applications, improved functionality, and other features designed to simplify operations.
Increased Compatibility and Competitive Edge
Modernizing legacy apps increases compatibility with the most recent platform's technologies, codes, and technology. In addition, it offers the best option for the business entity to connect the applications seamlessly.
Therefore, you'll be able to better position yourself to meet the current and future demands of the business. The modernization of apps can help you gain a competitive edge. It allows businesses to incorporate the most recent technology and platforms, beating other laggards.
Security Enhancement
Numerous security measures in older applications are monitored and updated according to the most recent cyber threats. But, without a solid security plan to protect your data and your business, a cyber-attack that could cost you your clients and vital information.
Cloud-based applications provide top security features that are time - and expense-saving. This means you won't have to put in an effort compared to older applications.
Key Technologies for Application Modernization
Many related technologies are essential to modernizing applications.
Cloud Computing: If people talk about the modernization of their applications, they're generally talking about moving older applications to contemporary cloud platforms. Cloud computing includes public cloud platforms such as private clouds, hybrid clouds, and clouds (which typically refer to private or public cloud environments integrated with on-premises systems.)
Containers: Containers provide a cloud-focused approach to packaging, deploying, and running workloads and applications. The benefits of containers include increased scale, portability, and operational efficiency, making them ideal for cloud infrastructure, particularly hybrid cloud environments and multi-cloud.
Microservices: Microservices are not an existing technology but rather an architectural decision. Instead of constructing and operating an application as a complete codebase, commonly referred to as a monolith or monolithic development," you separate different parts into small, distinct parts that can be used as independent, upgraded, and operated components.
Orchestration and Automation: The term "orchestration" in the software industry is the automation of various operational tasks that come with containers, such as deployment, scaling, and networking. Automation is a crucial idea and technology. It becomes increasingly essential to ensure that operations, development, and security teams can effectively manage modern applications on a large scale.
The Importance of Application Modernization
Modernization of the legacy is a common trend for businesses. The market for the modernization of applications is an incredibly growing multi-billion-dollar business. But why do you go through all the hassle to upgrade old applications? It is the most efficient way to keep essential digital performance standards from an operational and financial perspective.
Most organizations have older systems as they are essential to core business processes. Removing these systems and starting with a new one would significantly disrupt essential business processes. Additionally, being more modern does not necessarily translate to better, at least from a business standpoint.
Specific older systems don't have an exact match in the current software market, making replacement difficult. In these instances, the modernization of applications is the only method to ensure that critical systems are kept up to date. Modernization is crucial for these reasons.
- Businesses can benefit from the latest technologies, such as cloud computing and automatization, VoIP large data blockchain, Internet of Things.
- Modernizes old systems to provide capabilities and performance standards.
- It strengthens the security protocol and measures to guard against new cyber threats and ensure compliance with regulatory authorities.
- Reduces the time-to-market and increases competitive edge
- Enhances the user-friendliness of the system as well as its scope of use, improving productivity for employees and encouraging a digital workplace culture
The Ultimate Strategy for Application Modernization
The following steps to assess their legacy systems and select an application modernization method that best fits the requirements of the moment:
Define the Problems
If your old system does not meet the present IT or organizational requirements, it's time to improve the problem. What exactly is creating those who use it (customers and employees)? Find the user's specific stories.
It is also crucial to determine what's working well with older software in this process-understanding what functions and what doesn't can aid in determining the modernization strategy.
Read More: When is the Right Time To Consider Application Modernization
Prepare for Future Growth and Changes
Organizations aren't in a vacuum. They are constantly changing from the consumers, the competitive market, the economic landscape, and the possibilities of new technology. The typical application is designed to last 6-8 years.
Most legacy software is monolithic, which binds organizations to outdated software. The modern digital world requires more agility in rolling out new capabilities or features and scaling them as needed. Selecting the best modernization strategy is about choosing the best flexibility to adapt to change.
An encapsulated program may be connected to other microservices; however, it will still have to face the same limitations as the codebase it is currently using. But software that has been designed or refactored will have a better chance of satisfying the future requirements of an enterprise.
Choose the Modernization Approach with the Highest Effect and Value
Choose the modernization strategy that will provide the most significant impact and benefit to your business by analyzing each of the modernization strategies in terms of their impact on architecture, technology functionality, cost, and risk.
Modernizing older technology applications requires re-architecting and rebuilding, or even replacing. The process of application re-architecture is a moderate cost and risk, whereas building or replacing will yield better results but come with more costs and higher risks. It is crucial to evaluate all options to determine how each will achieve the desired outcome at the lowest effort and with the highest impact.
Integrate Tightly with DevOps
It's easy to upgrade your enterprise software when you adopt an approach of point-and-click or push-button using a modern interface and pursue close integration with continuous deployment processes and tools like DevOps.
Furthermore, enterprise applications should be available on demand, meaning how you provision new instances must be fully automated without human intervention. This is possible by integrating virtualized environments with orchestration tools that many enterprises already use to manage infrastructure.
The main improvement being suggested is the direct connection of an inventory of virtualized, portable components directly to orchestration tools, which includes provisions of options for storage which must also be completely automated. This is possible because modern applications do not require any particular data storage systems on which they depend.
Do Your Homework to Choose the Right Modernization Partner
Many organizations don't have the time to build or update their applications regularly. It's not their primary goal. Internal teams might not have the skills to operate in new technology "new" systems, which may require training to use the new system. Therefore, it's unlikely that there are sufficient internal resources to make all the necessary decisions regarding the modernization of cloud and microservice support.
Many companies prefer to work with a trusted software provider to aid in the modernization of their application. Find a firm specializing in digital transformation that can help re-develop technologies, systems, and processes using various application modernization services. To ensure the fastest time to market for your modernization initiative, choose an agency that can leverage Agile and DevOps techniques.
Observe and Optimize
When a project is in process, it is crucial to test and improve the application's modifications and enhancements to ensure there aren't any issues in the transition of hosting, software licensing, or connections to databases or other services. Plan for ongoing efforts to modernize the application to ensure that the software stays up to date with the ever-changing requirements.
The Key Takeaway
Legacy software can cause various issues for enterprises, like recruiting processes, the development and retention of staff, or even daily digital processes. In the end, they are an unneeded expense in terms of time and effort, which can hinder the growth of your business.
Begin the modernization of your older applications by accurately studying your requirements. Review your existing code and decide which areas require digital transformation.
The first step is to think of separate elements. Design the modernization of the entire system only if the partial method isn't working for your particular system. Also, look at your current procedures. Determine the risks of your online transformation based on information.
