No matter the reason why a company may choose to stick it out with their legacy system, the truth remains that there is always a hidden cost associated with using legacy systems. It could be increased maintenance costs, agility costs, or even support costs.
Business dynamics are changing at a pace faster than the software capabilities to keep up. Legacy systems, which simply refer to antiquated systems and technologies, often continue to be used owing to myriad factors, including the process being deemed too risky, the inability to replicate similar functionalities in new systems, etc. Though to be operative in a digital-first world, it is vital for the business system and software to aid or not hold back the company’s ability to grow and continue with its competitive edge.
You would agree customers’ behavior is constantly changing and business applications are changing with them. And, modern-day customers are looking for instantaneous, user-friendly, omnichannel & secure software that can help them to interact with a brand.
However, that is enough about legacy systems; let us now take a look at some of the different modernization methods:
1.Replatform: Here, one introduces the bare minimum changes to a given legacy system and then just switches them to another platform.
2.Reface: With refacing, one simply eliminates some information from the legacy app and introduces a new GUI. Think of it as a facelift for the app.
3.Rebuild: Under the rebuild approach, the entire enterprise legacy app system is built from the ground up.
4.Extend and migrate: As part of this approach, the company slowly extends its legacy system and gradually adds modern apps and new features based on milestones achieved.
5.Wait and watch: As the name suggests, this involves not changing the system at all and simply observing till the company identifies a process that offers ideal ROI for the company.
Now that you have a fair idea about how legacy systems can impede your business and what the different methods of modernization are, let us also take a look at why it is imperative to modernize legacy systems or apps.
1.Reduce costs: There is no denying that companies, no matter how big or small, are always on the lookout for means to help cut down their costs. Modernization helps in this regard by empowering companies to pack more into the product or service without necessitating additional costs simply by optimizing business processes. It also helps reduce costs required for employees’ training as well as enables the optimal organization of the business’ resources to ensure value is added at every step of the way.
2.Ensure sync with organizational changes: Undertaking modernization of legacy apps or services at a time when the organization is also going through changes in the organization structure is a brilliant idea. Why? Well, because it helps not only do away with inefficiencies across the company’s operations and optimize workflows but also enables the company to build on its strengths and ensure the business can adapt to the market’s evolving demands.
3.Outperform your competition: The level of competition that businesses must contend with now has grown immensely. In such a scenario, modernizing your legacy system helps companies bring products to the market, update offerings much more quickly, and fortify and safeguard IT infrastructure. This, in turn, gives companies a decisive edge over their competition in the market.
There you have it ladies and gentlemen, a quick yet effective lowdown on how legacy systems can take a toll on business and how the modernization of such apps or systems can truly make a difference for any business. If you too are ready to let go of the legacy systems your business has relied on thus far and are seriously looking to let realize the many, many benefits of software product modernization, it would be a good idea to start looking for a trusted service provider to assist in your endeavor.
Kaushal Shah manages digital marketing communications for the enterprise technology services provided by Rishabh Software.