Everyone wants their legacy systems modernized
Legacy system modernization is a shared focus for IT professionals everywhere, and CIOs are on the lookout for a simple fix to address the challenge.
The question is – what drives this need for IT legacy modernization?
Legacy architectures are expensive and difficult to maintain and may pose business risks.
The biggest reasons why companies go for legacy modernization are:
- High cost of sustaining legacy applications and the infrastructure in the long run
- Shortage of skilled employees in companies still using legacy systems – lack of proficiency in legacy languages like Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL) and Natural
- Workers look forward to on-the-job technologies being on par with—or even better than—what they have
- Most importantly, people today are more tech-savvy and connected than ever before. Customers expect businesses to be online, easily accessible, and ready to meet their needs in a snap with modern and up-to-date UI/UX standards
All of this calls for legacy modernization
Business owners often resist legacy system modernization due to high costs and fear of change. Although these programs still work, they can cause security problems, prevent scaling, and make it challenging to provide advanced customer functionality. Southwest Airlines is one such example. In 2022, Southwest Airlines canceled over 13000 flights due to its outdated systems and IT infrastructure. Netflix, on the other hand, is a market leader in online streaming due to its pioneering modernized microservices architecture.
Thinking legacy system modernization is basically asking the right questions
- Are there opportunities to automate everyday tasks for better speed and accuracy in the operations?
- How can data analytics be used to gain deeper insights into business operations, customer behavior, and market trends?
- Where are transactions being made difficult for customers or letting them down?
- What can be done for customers and employees to make more delightful and successful experiences?
- How can technology be used to optimize inventory management, reduce waste, and ensure ideal stock levels?
- How can employees be empowered to serve customers better or do their jobs better?
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Moving away from the legacies
So much for the cons – let’s move on to discuss five ways a business can practically and truly create a legacy!
“A legacy?” you might ask.
“A Sustainable Digital Business indeed, sire!”
Rehosting
Definition: Transfer your existing legacy system to a new location without changing how it operates.
Why: Boosts reliability and scalability in a more advanced environment.
Example: Moving your business website from an older server to a cloud platform, maintaining the same website but ensuring better performance and adaptability.
Refactoring
Definition: Enhance your system’s performance without altering its appearance or functionality.
Why: Improves user experience, reduces costs, and ensures a smoother operation.
Example: Optimizing the code of your online store to make it load faster, operate more efficiently, and provide a seamless shopping experience for customers.
Replatforming
Definition: Update the foundational technology of your system for improved functionality.
Why: Enhances performance, security, and adaptability to evolving needs.
Example: Upgrading your payment processing system to a more secure and efficient platform while maintaining the same familiar payment process for customers.
Re-architecting
Definition: Redesign your system to be more modern and adaptable to changes.
Why: Improves scalability, agility, and long-term maintainability.
Example: Restructuring your business software from a single, complex entity into modular components (microservices) for better flexibility and growth.
Full Replacement
Definition: Substitute your old legacy system with an entirely new one.
Why: Provides a fresh start with modern features, improved support, and increased efficiency.
Example: Replacing your outdated customer management software with a new, user-friendly system, ensuring enhanced functionality and long-term support for your business needs.
Starting from scratch sounds scary
Starting from scratch is not a feasible option for many organizations in the short term. Replacing legacy systems all at once can lead to high costs, complexity, and disruption for businesses.
Fortunately, delivering new customer experiences and greater automation does not always require a do-over.
Many companies still using legacy systems are now seeking to move forward with digital transformation by integrating new digital technologies on top of legacy systems via APIs to innovate new services, experiences, and process automation. Smart work wins!
Legacy modernizing 340PriceGuide – a Genetech project
When 340B PriceGuide, a major healthcare player, needed a tech boost, they turned to Genetech. Their legacy system had some quirks—basic drug searches, missing formularies, manual data chaos, and a mobile app that went MIA offline.
Genetech took on this challenge and worked the way bottom up. First phase included modernizing the drug search functionality with advanced options, integration of formularies, segmentation of patient groups, and creating a dedicated company section. In the second phase, Genetech decided to give the 340B PriceGuide company users access to an admin portal. This worked wonders! Now, the users could do away with the admin dependency and had the option to tailor configurations independently.
The outcome was splendid! Sales and user registrations soared from 400 to 1000, and there were 15 to 20 new hospital partnerships. On the operational side, the digitization efforts led to enhanced efficiency, productivity, and cost savings. The offline functionality in the mobile app addressed a crucial pain point for doctors without constant internet access.
This case is an excellent example of how legacy modernization is not just a need but a catalyst for significant business growth.
For Genetech, the focus is on smart digital transformations for legacy systems that are not just necessary but imperative for long-term success.
Let’s make strides in Legacy System Modernization
Legacy apps can’t provide the process automation and self-service that modern businesses need.
If your outdated software is slowing you down, it’s time for an upgrade.
For business owners, the real challenge lies in figuring out how to get started. Numerous questions arise: Who’s responsible for creating and executing a modernization plan? How do you find skilled staff or choose the right external partner? And what’s the cost involved in legacy software modernization? But don’t worry—Genetech Solutions is here to rescue you!
Genetech Solutions specializes in Legacy Modernization. If you have a project for us or need guidance on how you can modernize your systems for efficiency, get in touch with us for a free consultation call!
Jannat is a Content and Marketing specialist with a strong interest in copywriting, data analysis, and lead generation. Currently, she is exploring Sales in IT to broaden her skill set and explore new opportunities for professional growth. With an interdisciplinary academic background, Jannat holds majors in history and literature alongside minor studies in computer science and programming. She loves challenges and welcomes opportunities to learn new things. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has consistently demonstrated diligence and a commitment to excellence, earning her notable awards and recognitions. When she is not working, she can be found reading Robin Sharma, watching documentaries about the medieval era, healthy dieting (as best as she can), painting, and laughing at her own jokes.
