Why modernize legacy applications?

Sometimes, a legacy application can also be categorized as monolithic. These applications have two main aspects, which are some of the main reasons to opt for application modernization, which are: difficulty in updating and they're challenging and costly to scale.

Most of the time, a monolithic app is hard to update due to factors related to its architecture. An application's components often work out together, meaning that if you take one out, the whole app will malfunction. Adding features becomes more problematic due to the same problem.

By modernizing applications, you're providing the app with new processes and infrastructure with better support. Legacy application modernization brings many benefits, including data optimization, accelerating innovation, and better customer experience.

Through this article, we'll explore the different reasons why you should modernize your legacy applications as soon as possible and all the benefits that come with it in the long-term.

Why are legacy applications still used?

A legacy application is outdated software. It still works but can be unstable due to compatibility problems with modern operative systems, navigators, or infrastructures. Legacy applications are also those that have been replaced with a new version or those created by developers who don't update them anymore. Any situation that may make the incompatible application counts, actually.

A business may require a legacy application for its activities.

The software can be dependent sometimes, so it's a common practice for software providers to create apps taking into account the programmed obsolescence. Customer support becomes available only for a limited time; however, the company bust updates the legacy applications or add other software options to provide the correct functionality.

Application obsolescence cycle

There are many reasons why a business may need to maintain a legacy application. They can be going through economic difficulties, and that's something hard to deal with in a vertical market with specialized requirements of functionality.

Why should businesses implement application modernization into their companies?

Obsolete systems cannot be maintained and kept functioning forever. At some point, the company must opt for a legacy application modernization strategy.

Application modernization and migration imply alienating the software with the current commercial necessities. The objective of a legacy or entrepreneurial application modernization process is to create a new commercial value based on the existing applications.

A business that makes migration of legacy applications must select a new platform with better efficiency, velocity, stability, and more dynamic capacities. The IT team will launch the new application, then will make the migration using a new method.

Why should businesses modernize their legacy systems?

Three main benefits come with legacy application modernization. Here they are:

Reduced Costs

A company that opts for modernizing their legacy system will experience a considerable reduction in costs. In many cases, a business spends more than 70% of the IT budget to maintain their legacy systems.

A modern legacy application is far less complicated to maintain, and you don't have to hire experts in the matter to keep the system functioning. These are often more simple, especially if you're using open-source programming languages.

Business Agility

Agility can be perceived as a different concept, depending on the area you focus on. However, the central fact to take into consideration is that thanks to a modernized application, you will be able to take care of your customers' needs more efficiently.

Higher Productivity

This is one of the most significant benefits that come with legacy application modernization. A developer with modern software will have better tools to work with, meaning the productivity will be enhanced since they will focus on different parts rather than just maintenance.