What is software modernization?
Modernization is a technical process in which we transfer the logic of an existing application into a modern, state-of-the-art environment.
Modernization always has the goal of reducing costs. One of the major diseases of today’s legacy software is complexity. Any plan to reduce the complexity of legacy systems and legacy software by using modern components (e.g., by using web interfaces) tends to increase it.
Why are we modernizing?
We modernize because systems work inefficiently. Systems that work inefficiently mean high costs.
Modernization is not software development.
Modernization is not maintenance and further development of existing systems. Modernization requires a different approach and a different paradigm than conventional software development. It is a niche that can only be carried out with an enormously high level of effort and risk without highly specialized and well-trained specialists.
Do you have question?
Our experts from all areas will support you and provide you with advice and assistance in all matters.
What are the methods to successfully modernize legacy software?
There are three approaches to software modernization:
Rewrite an application
Transfer the functionalities into a standard software
Technology-based transformation
Digital Creek Software Services’ unique Application Understanding methodology can be used for any of these three concepts. The results of the Application Understanding process can be used with all three concepts.
With the help of Business Flow Suite, a technology-based transformation of old legacy software applications can be performed. We also advocate, from our experience, only this procedure.
Converting a legacy system and application involves the following steps:
We offer you a unique process. Our paradigm is simple: After abstracting the existing overall system, the new system, with its consistent and coherent properties, is created through a transformation process and enriched with the abstracted business logic.
The starting point is always the concrete: the source code.
The premise “The source code is the truth” applies.
It is important to know that the source code alone is not sufficient to describe the entire system. For the abstraction we need the technical information and the business logic from the code, as well as the meta information from the business departments.
Business logic and technical information are stored
in a central repository. This process is done by one or more parsers and by different engines. The repository is enriched by the meta information.
After the transformation arises:
You get a system that is modern and therefore easy to maintain, both from the point of view of architecture and technological basis.
Your software will be faster due to the new structure.
The old infrastructure components can be exchanged for new ones.
Resource requirements and maintenance efforts decrease. Your computing capacities are reduced, and the resource requirements for your hardware are reduced.
You have a modern code without having limited your applications in their business functions.
Your system becomes easily maintainable
Hardware resource requirements decrease
Your software becomes faster
Technical but also human capacities are released
Our software modernisation project process
1. Assessment
We familiarise ourselves with your systems and analyse them. The assessment is the basis of every successful project. This step must be carried out with the utmost care.
2. Concept
A concept is created in the next step. Individual elements are already transformed here. The adaptation and finalisation of the planning takes place in this phase. The following elements are worked out in a concept:
3. Proof of Concept
Risks and showstoppers are identified and localised in the POC. We create a prototype based on the application and the programmes, which is used to convert further individual fragments of the application. Once the POC has been successfully implemented and accepted by the customer, the next transformation steps follow.
4. Data transformation (iterative cycle)
During data transformation, the database elements are transformed. The following elements and steps are taken into account and carried out:
5. application transformation (iterative cycle) with the Business Flow Suite
The application transformation consists of the following steps:
6. Tests (Iterative Cycle)
In addition to the separate tests in the individual project phases, extensive application and programme tests are carried out before the project is completed.
7. Transfer/Takeover
The customer accepts the project based on the required specifications.
Do you have any questions?
Our experts from all areas will support you and provide you with advice and assistance in all matters.
Or take a look at our references.
