In the fast-paced world, the needs of each company are changing monthly. That’s why relying on an old software application is out of the question. Its functionality, accessibility, and adaptability may suffer tremendously due to new technological advances, compliance adjustments, and security issues.
Legacy software apps usually don’t have the same functionality modern programs do. They may not be compatible with several operating systems or fail to perform on mobile devices. While developing new software may be a way out, many companies try to avoid such a solution due to its price.
Legacy application modernization allows you to continue taking advantage of the software. With the right approach to app rebuilding, the program may not become obsolete for many years to come while providing top-notch user experience and functionality
The modernization process comes with several challenges. Let’s take a closer look at what your company should be prepared for.
1. Lack of Collaboration
Legacy application modernization requires collaboration between different teams. Whether you are relying on your IT department or hiring third-party software developers you need to make sure all people involved are in sync with the company needs.
High quality support during application modernization is critical to the outcome. The developers must be working together with users to figure out which features need to remain in the program and which can go.
All issues that arise during the modernization must be communicated to team leaders to ensure a smooth completion of the process. Ideally, you should have a manager dedicated to the modernization issue. It will be their job to ensure proper collaboration between numerous parties.
2. Not Focusing on User Experience
When the company starts with application modernization, it often requires adding extensive functionality to the software. This impressive variety of functions may be achievable. However, it could reflect poorly on the user experience.
Legacy apps usually don’t focus on it anyway. The goal of modernization is to improve performance and boost user experience. Overloading the app with new features may reflect negatively on this experience.
It’s important to keep a reasonable learning curve in mind when modernizing legacy applications. By helping developers and users work together, it’s possible to come up with the right balance between functionality and complexity.
3. Cloud Migration
Since cloud operation is on the agenda of many 21st century companies, modernization requests usually involve cloud migration. The low cost, impressive flexibility, accessibility, and security are highly appealing to any business.
However, the majority of legacy apps are designed for on-the-premise operation. Making them suitable for cloud use may require a tremendous amount of work, including creating brand new functionality and user interface.
Managers have to realize that they’d have to abandon some existing hardware and software to proceed with the migration. Simple legacy application modernization may not do the trick. This is a much harder and more time-consuming process.
4. Maintaining Business Operation
Many companies are highly dependent on their legacy software. Once it stops functioning, businesses may face unexpected downtime. It may take a substantial amount of time to modernize large legacy apps. Software developers need to ensure that the modernization process proceeds smoothly without disrupting company operations.
It’s also possible that the company’s needs and compliance requirements may change during the modernization process. This could mean taking extra time to adapt to the latest changes. Developers use an agile approach to app modernization to adjust to possible developments. However, such methodology may require them to change the existing work environment.
5. Time and Cost
Depending on the size of your modernization project, it’s likely to be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, modernization may mean revamping the entire approach to using your legacy software. However, the modernization process is usually less costly and time-consuming than rewriting legacy apps or creating new software from scratch.
In any case, companies struggle to keep the cost down and reduce the time spent on modernization. To minimize losses, it’s important to find an experienced team of developers, which knows how to work in tandem with your employees, studies business needs extensively and adjusts to changes quickly.
6. Security
When it comes to software modernization, security is a highly important issue. Legacy programs often suffer security problems. Each stage of software rebuilding must be fused with security improvements. Addressing these issues is often time-consuming and complex.
It’s important to treat security as a major component of the modernized application environment. Integrating it in the software from the first step can simplify modernization at the later stages.
By layering security between each new element, you can ensure complete protection for the app from testing to deployment regardless of the infrastructure.
7. Resistance
Many companies face resistance on the part of their employees to embrace new technologies. While this problem can be overcome by proper training, it can be a challenge during the modernization process.
It’s vital to communicate the importance of integrating and using new technologies for the survival of the company. As soon as employees understand that modernization is part of business growth and development, they can have an easier time collaborating with developers and speeding up the modernization process.
Final Thoughts
Legacy software modernization is an unavoidable process for many companies. Since software must be adjusted to the latest requirements and business needs, companies are turning to re-building. Compared to developing software from scratch, it’s often a cost-efficient solution. However, the process comes with a number of challenges.
These challenges may differ according to the size, type, and complexity of the software as well as business needs and goals.
