Legacy modernization is a term that is synonymous with software modernization. It is a common term in the technological world that describes the conversion of a legacy system to a modern software library, hardware platform or programming language. One cannot understate the importance of modernizing an organization’s legacy system. Simply put, it is the perfect cure for outdated mainframe systems that cost such institutions a lot of money.
Many institutions or business organizations have long viewed legacy systems as too important to interrupt. This is because of the longevity of these systems’ operations within the organizations. Integrating or upgrading these systems with newer ones could prove counterproductive. The fact is that this view is a short-sighted one because modernization carries with it a raft of benefits.
Benefits
The modernization of the legacy system will save the concerned institutions form costs associated with pre-Y2K software problems. This process duly slashes off 75% of the budget dedicated towards the maintenance of legacy systems and applications. The upgrade also enables the software to use new hardware in the course of its activities. This is a far cry from legacy software, which requires a lot of funds since the maintenance costs outweigh the hardware and software.
Another important fact about software modernization is that it is always a continuous process. Organizations that are flirting with the idea of upgrading their legacy systems must remember that its full integration takes time. Normally, it is a multi-year endeavor that reduces the legacy code percentage after each completion. Legacy modernization also involves a level of operational risk.
Migration Strategy
In this regard, it is important for organizations to initiate a rigid migration strategy. Such a migration work plan enables the computing systems to function uninterrupted in the course of the upgrade. It is also beneficial for all organizations to develop an understanding of the various elements involved in the modernization process. These components, which serve varied purposes, include ADM, SABA, SRRT, RPP, VDM and WMU among others. For example, ADM, which stands for Architecture Driven Modernization, standardizes the legacy systems. This allows for integration of modernization activities such as code analysis, software transformation and code analysis.
It is common knowledge that every technological innovation has its flip-side. In the case of software modernization, people must realize that challenges are abound. One of the challenges is the management of change. All organizations that elect to modernize their legacy systems must train their employees. This is always a daunting task since the employees could take some time to acclimatize to the new system. In the meantime, this could rob the company of productivity.
Another factual element about legacy modernization is that it experiences difficulties in migration. This lends credence to the need for a gradual approach to modernization. Conversely, challenges would rear themselves through incomplete business coverage in terms of data duplication and overlapping functionality problems.
The likes of mainframe systems and AS/400 applications are gigantic, expensive and monolithic. These adjectives should not rush organizations into opting for legacy modernization. Even with its benefits, it is important to analyze it and know what makes it tick. This will enable organizations to harness its benefits.
This guest post was provided by Idea - IT Consulting Company, providing businesses with IT solutions that will help their company to the next level.
