Application Modernization Systems

If you're wondering "What is application modernization?" simply put, this refers to an organization’s steps towards updating its old or “legacy” systems.


The modernization could come in the form of adding new elements to an application’s codebase or simply preserving only the core features while building a completely new application from scratch. 

To further understand why you should modernize legacy systems and how to apply legacy modernization strategies in your organization, let’s take a look at the related aspects in a detailed manner. 

What are legacy systems?

The term refers to older applications that were developed when the current technological advancements had not been available for use. These legacy applications are essentially outdated. They lack core features or functionalities that are taken for granted by newer systems and are considered crucial to an organization’s success in this day and age. 

For instance, any application that relies on hardware storage without an ability to connect to cloud storage would be considered a legacy system. Similarly, any older application that does not support a core feature that is widely available through newer systems would also be considered a legacy application. 

A legacy application could be your organization’s employee management portal, your back-end accounting software, your procurement system, or your inventory management software. All in all, it could be any application that supports your organization’s functions, but which had been developed at a time without current technological advancements. 

Any organization that has been established for some time could be using legacy systems for a variety of reasons. For example, they might not be paying close attention to technology trends, they might be concerned about the costs involved with the process, or they could be afraid of losing their current level of efficiency.

Regarding the last factor, that is one benefit that an organization experiences when it implements application modernization. By upgrading your legacy apps, you can boost productivity and streamline processes. 

Why You Should Modernize Legacy Systems 

The drawbacks of sticking with older legacy systems could keep an organization from taking advantage of the latest advancements in technology. 

If you are one such entity, then this may not only hold you back in terms of progress but it may also affect your productivity to a significant extent. That is the reason why legacy modernization trends have picked up significant traction in recent years. 

Working with old legacy systems could make you face the following disadvantages on a daily basis:
  • Slower systems, which may take a lot of time to load and perform basic functions
  • Lagging issues, which could affect your employees’ productivity and cause them to be frustrated with work
  • Downtime or malfunctions, which could bring down the functionalities of any department that depends on the legacy application and add to costs significantly  
  • Lack of features, which may hold you back from being as efficient as your competitors
Whereas, looking into legacy modernization trends and upgrading your legacy systems could provide you with the following benefits.
  • Systems could operate faster, performing more functions in a swifter manner.
  • There are fewer issues with performance, allowing you to run your system more smoothly. 
  • Your application is packed with the latest functionalities, which improves your efficiency and adds to employee satisfaction. 
  • You save money by eliminating unnecessary downtime and the need for frequent repairs. 
  • Improved efficiency also contributes to greater revenues for your organization.  

Find a Company to Help You Modernize Your Legacy Systems

Applying legacy modernization strategies is not difficult when you obtain services from a proven company in the field. Many companies have years of experience in modernizing application systems and can help with your business' specific needs. Some of the best-reviewed companies when it comes to providing these services include: 
  • IBM. This company can help you migrate all of your apps to a cloud platform with the latest technology. They can also help you assess your portfolio and modernize your user experience, applications, integration set up and more.  
  • Microsoft. This company provides a safe cloud environment via Microsoft Azure. Azure allows you to expedite the legacy system modernization process by focusing on the technology stack that you prioritize during your consultation. Azure also lets you create new apps easily via its cloud platform. 
  • Cognizant. If one of your priorities during the modernization process is security, that is Cognizant's focus. It uses the latest technology to simultaneously update your business setup quickly and seamlessly and ensure its safety.