Application modernization has been one of the hottest topics in IT in the last few years. To meet the ever-changing needs of their customers, organizations are moving to modernize legacy applications using secure and scalable technologies and platforms.
But what exactly does application modernization mean?
Application modernization is transforming legacy software into modern web-based or mobile applications. It is done to improve business performance and process efficiencies.
With application modernization being a top priority in today’s competitive business landscape, it’s essential to understand the entire process. Here’s a complete roadmap for achieving application modernization in 2022.
Let’s get started!
What Is Application Modernization?
Application modernization is the process of replacing legacy systems with modern technology. These software systems are often more agile, flexible, and scalable than the previous ones.
In 2022, application modernization will be a necessity for businesses across all industries seeking growth and competitiveness.
Although the approach can be expensive and time-consuming, it is usually worth it. For businesses to stay competitive, they need to ensure that their software is up-to-date and working correctly.
Why Do Businesses Need Application Modernization?
If you need more clarification about the benefits that app modernization can offer your business, consider these top five reasons to start making updates right away.
Reduce Total Cost Of Ownership
You can reduce the total cost of ownership by increasing efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. It is mainly because modernized applications are written in more efficient coding languages and can better integrate with other enterprise systems.
The more sustainable you are, the better you can serve your customers, employees, and community. Moreover, you’ll also have access to the latest features and capabilities that will help keep your operations running smoothly.
You can leverage cost-effective application modernization services from various certified professionals and domain experts.
Speed Up Development & Deployment
Application modernization can help speed up the development and deployment process by eliminating the need to deploy new versions of existing apps. It is especially beneficial for businesses looking to maximize their return on investment and reduce time-to-market.
Improve User Experience
One of the critical benefits of app modernization is that it improves the user experience. It makes it easier for customers to use your applications, and they will be more likely to continue using them in the future.
For example, if you have an outdated and cumbersome registration process, users might not want to register for your service because they find it too difficult or time-consuming.
Free Up Resources
In the past, business owners were forced to invest in hardware and software to stay up-to-date. They had to spend excessive money each year on maintenance, support, and upgrades.
With this solution, businesses can free up resources by not having to buy new equipment every time there’s a new software update or operating system release.
Building An Application Modernization Roadmap
App modernization can have many benefits, but it’s essential to plan appropriately before you get started. Here’s how to build an application modernization roadmap to achieve success quickly.
Step 1: Assessment
The first step is the assessment stage. It is where you’ll figure out what the current state of your app looks like and identify any potential pain points or issues.
Next, look at your app’s goals and objectives to ensure they align with your business needs. If they don’t, it might be time to evaluate whether it’s worth investing in updating your app.
Step 2: Identifying What Parts Of The App Will Be Modernized
It’s only sometimes necessary to modernize the entire app. Sometimes, only parts of the app need to be updated. So, it is best to start by identifying which parts of the application need modernization, what features need to be added or changed, and if any data needs to be transferred.
Once you have determined these aspects, you should create a plan for migrating each part of your application. It includes creating a timeline and a list of things to happen before beginning the migration process.
Step 3: Planning & Preparation
It’s time to start planning your application modernization project. The stage is about getting the right people in the room, bringing key stakeholders on board, and defining what you want to achieve and how you will do it.
You’ll want to research the options out there, talk with your development team and stakeholders, and get estimates on what this project will cost and how long it will take.
Also, it will help you decide how you want your new application to look to develop a roadmap that is best suited for your business needs.
Evaluate the effort required to modernize each application using the 6R analysis approach:
- Retire those applications that are outdated or you don’t need anymore.
- Retain those applications that have recently been upgraded or installed.
The newer or cheaper infrastructure can re-host applications with little or no modification.
To maintain a modern portfolio, repurchase new or upgraded products or services.
- Replatform the application by leveraging third-party services, such as managed cloud database instances, without changing the core architecture.
- Refactor is the process of taking advantage of modern cloud-native services by modifying the application architecture and code.
Step 4: Coordination & Testing
In this stage, you will be working with the development team to review the application and make any final adjustments. The testing team will then test the application to ensure it meets all of the requirements that were set out in your application modernization roadmap.
Your goal at this stage is to sort out any remaining bugs and ensure that the users are happy with the new product.
Step 5: Migration (with existing apps) or Revision (for new apps)
To migrate your existing applications, you should plan on doing the following:
- Evaluate your current system against the new one. Make a list of the pros and cons of each application modernization approach.
- Determine how many weeks it will take to migrate or revise your application.
- Determine which applications should go first to allow for a smooth transition from the legacy system into the new one.
Step 6: Create A Solid Implementation Plan
It is the final step of your roadmap. A good plan will help guide your team through the modernization process.
After completing all the steps successfully, it’s time to build the final roadmap for your application modernization.
The plan should document all the aspects needed to update, such as timelines, milestones, and deadlines, and who is responsible for each step.
Here are five key steps you’ll want to take before beginning:
1) Map out your current application landscape
2) Take inventory of all the applications that need modernization
3) Get a handle on what needs to be modernized and prioritize accordingly
4) Determine the budget for application modernization
5) Create a migration plan
If you want to perform an application modernization approach successfully, you can hire app developers from trusted software development companies.
Strategies For Creating A Successful Application Modernization Roadmap
Modernizing legacy applications is challenging, but with the proper roadmap, you can navigate the process smoothly and save time and money.
To avoid risk and ensure your project will be successful, keep these five strategies in mind when creating a modernization roadmap.
Focusing On What’s Important
The first strategy for a successful application modernization roadmap is to focus on what’s important. Getting caught up in the details is easy, but the key takeaway is that you need to keep moving forward.
It only matters how well you get there if you know where you are going. Also, always remember the intent of your applications.
Choosing The Right Tech Stack
Choosing the right technology stack for your business is crucial, especially if you are looking for a long-term and successful application modernization roadmap.
The decision should be based on your business needs and which technologies will provide the best ROI.
Understanding Your Apps’ Limitations
Before embarking on an application modernization project, understanding your existing applications’ limitations and capabilities is essential. Understanding these limitations will help you identify areas where your applications need to be updated to work with newer technologies or run more efficiently.
It will also allow you to prioritize your modernization efforts by focusing on the most needed areas.
Final Words
Application modernization is essential to any business as it provides many benefits, such as higher quality and lower cost. With a complete roadmap for 2023, you can determine what to do, when, how, and who to involve. It will help your organization get on the right track toward the future.
If you are still using old software versions in your company, now is the time to start making plans. You can hire android app developers in India and update your software with the latest technologies.
