January 21, 2023 | By Greg Dougherty
Application modernization or legacy modernization is the method of updating more aged software for newer computing approaches: newer languages, frameworks, and infrastructure platforms. Legacy usually refers to an application that still functions but is technically out of date. When left without update, legacy systems leave your organization more vulnerable to security threats.
Rather than replacing it entirely, application modernization extends the lifespan of an organization’s applications while also bearing the advantages of technological innovation. Keep reading to discover your options if you’re considering using an application modernization approach on your existing technologies.
Key technologies for application modernization
One of the most frequented approaches for application modernization is to leverage additional technologies to help increase the effectiveness and impact of your legacy tools. There are several essential technologies parallel to application modernization. Here are the most common.
Cloud Computing: More often than not, when discussing application modernization, you’re referring to the process of migrating traditional applications to run in modern cloud environments. That can include public cloud platforms, private clouds, and hybrid clouds (public and/or private clouds combined with on-premises environments).
Containers: This approach is a cloud-based method for packaging and deploying applications and workloads. Containerization allows for better scalability, portability, and operational efficiency.
Microservices: Microservices refer to something that is not technology but rather a storage preference. In lieu of operating an application as a single, comprehensive codebase — usually called a monolith — you separate components into smaller, discrete segments that can be deployed and operated independently. As it pertains to application modernization, they can also be modernized separately as needed.
Orchestration and Automation: Orchestration refers to the automation of many operational tasks associated with containers. From deployment, scaling, and networking, automation is increasingly necessary to ensure that development, operations, and security teams can sustainably oversee their modern apps.
Related Reading: 6 Considerations for Migrating SQL Server Databases to AWS
Digital advances have made it possible and imperative for application leaders to modernize legacy systems. However, there’s a built-in challenge in knowing when and how to act. If you need to modernize applications, the best approach depends on the problem you’re trying to solve.
A few fundamental reasons for modernization could be to fit a company better, or provide greater business value. Applications lacking agility in keeping up with demand could become a liability detriment. Alternatively, If the cost of ownership is too high, the technology too complex, or security, compliance, or scalability are at threat of becoming compromised, it’s time to modernize.
Once you’ve determined application modernization is necessary, here are your options.
Related Reading: The Importance of Application Modernization
Modernization Options
Your partner in application modernization will help ensure the best option for your enterprise goals. Here are the most common modernization options to consider, in order of easiest to implement.
Refactor. Breaking down a specific business process into smaller composable chunks and supporting those chunks with new-generation, cloud-native applications that enable IT to quickly deploy new functionality the company and users need.
Replatform. Migrate to a new runtime platform, making minimal changes to the code, but not the code structure, features, or functions.
Repurchase. Switch to a different product, typically by moving from a traditional license to a SaaS model.
Rehost. Relocate the application component to another physical or cloud infrastructure without modifying its code, features, or functions.
Relocate. Move infrastructure to the cloud without purchasing new hardware, rewriting applications, or modifying your existing operations. This migration scenario is specific to VMware Cloud on AWS, which supports virtual machine (VM) compatibility and workload portability between your on-premises environment and AWS.
Retain. Keep applications in your source environment. These might include applications that require major refactoring, and you want to postpone that work until a later time, and legacy applications that you want to retain, because there’s no business justification for migrating them.
Retire. Much like it sounds, you retire the legacy systems and completely replace it with a new system.
Ultimately, modernizing legacy applications is a cost-effective method for extending the life of your existing systems. With the help of your application modernization partner, choose the approach that adds the most value to your business by evaluating its effect on technology, architecture, functionality, cost, and risk.
Get the most value from your existing systems and do so without downtime. Let Opti9 guide you through determining the optimal modernization plan for your applications. Get started today with your free consultation.