5 reasons why you should replace Delphi!

Robert Schmuck
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Robert Schmuck
CTO | Technology

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Delphi increasingly offers too little flexibility, scalability and future-proofing in modern system landscapes. Migration is often more profitable than you think.

You can find out more about this and other topics in this article:

  • Experienced Delphi developers are becoming increasingly rare, leading to greater dependence on individual knowledge.
  • Outdated systems limit integration and cause additional costs.
  • Planned migration reduces risks and creates future viability.

Why you should replace Delphi

We have in-depth knowledge of Delphi programming and the expertise to support and further develop Delphi applications. Delphi has long been a reliable development platform for desktop and client/server applications. However, technological requirements have changed dramatically. Many companies are now faced with a decision: should they modernize Delphi or replace it completely?

In this article, we present five good reasons why replacement may be advisable. We base our arguments on current studies, market statistics and proven practical examples. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of when it is time to act and how you can make the change strategically and safely.

Reason 1: Declining availability of Delphi expertise & increasing risk due to skills shortage

Reason 2: Technical limitations and integration problems

  • Older Delphi architectures are often monolithic and difficult to modularise. This makes it difficult to integrate modern services.
  • Modern systems are based on APIs, microservices or modular design. Delphi projects are usually not designed for this.
  • Studies show: Legacy systems hinder digital transformation if they are not modernised.
  • Integration problems lead to high interface costs and manual processes.

Reason 3: High operating costs & hidden technical debt

  • Legacy software often causes hidden costs, e.g. through detours, workarounds, technical debt.
  • Maintenance, bug fixing and adjustments to older Delphi modules are often more time-consuming and expensive.
  • Modern systems make it easier to implement automation, continuous deployment and DevOps. This reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).
  • Short-term savings result in expensive long-term costs (e.g. due to outdated interfaces, security updates).

Reason 4: Security and stability risks

  • Older Delphi environments receive fewer updates and patches, which opens up security gaps.
  • Legacy systems are considered a risk factor in cyber attacks, as they are often no longer secured using modern methods.
  • Studies on legacy migration often cite security and compliance requirements as key drivers.
  • Performance and stability problems increase with the age of the software. Failures or data corruption (e.g. during migration) are the main dangers.

Reason 5: Growth brakes & innovation barriers

  • A modern system enables faster expansion, cloud integration, AI/analytics and new business models.
  • Legacy systems slow down growth because changes are difficult to implement.
  • Delphi reaches its performance limits with large amounts of data and real-time applications. Programming languages such as Python, .NET or C# are often faster here.
  • Early migration is often necessary to enable digital transformation.

Frequently asked questions

  • Which industries still rely on Delphi today?

    Primarily industrial companies: e.g., mechanical engineering, food processing, electroplating, automotive, and quality control.

  • Can existing Delphi software still be expanded and modernized?

    Yes, adjustments are possible. However, interfaces, security updates, and new features in old Delphi versions can only be implemented with considerable effort.

  • Which areas of industry are particularly affected by old Delphi systems?

    Production areas such as MES systems, machine visualization, quality assurance, and process control still frequently rely on Delphi.

  • Can an old Delphi MES application continue to be operated stably?

    Yes, as long as the code is maintained. Nevertheless, without maintenance or modernization, the risks increase significantly over time.

  • How can I still find developers for Delphi software today?

    The market has become very small. In most cases, specialized software companies such as soxes AG, which have experience with legacy systems, are needed.

  • Should we replace our Delphi software immediately?

    Not necessarily. In many cases, it makes sense to first secure operation and support and then migrate to new technologies in a targeted manner.

  • How much does it cost to modernize Delphi software?

    That depends on the scope and condition of the application. A step-by-step approach is often more cost-effective, as operation and migration run in parallel.

  • How long can old Delphi versions still be used?

    Many systems run stably from a technical standpoint, but without support there are no updates, no security patches, and growing integration problems.

  • How quickly can an external partner take over our Delphi software?

    That depends on the documentation. With an experienced team, a takeover is possible within a few weeks.

  • How risky is it if our Delphi software is only maintained by one person?

    Very risky. If that person is unavailable, there is often no replacement, and central processes can come to a standstill.

Leave the Delphi programming language behind?

Companies are faced with the challenge of updating outdated Delphi technology or switching to a more modern development environment in order to solve compatibility problems and ensure access to the latest support. The use of middleware and APIs facilitates the integration of Delphi applications with other systems and platforms, improves compatibility with other systems and avoids isolation.

To overcome the shortage of Delphi developers, companies should invest in internal training programmes or find a company that still has Delphi experts on staff. It’s a good thing that we still have enough Delphi specialists in our development teams!

Alternatively, and probably inevitably in the medium term, you can choose new technologies that are better suited to scalability and integration, such as web or cloud-based solutions, and consider hybrid approaches if necessary. Modern development environments and programming languages offer possibilities that go far beyond the capabilities of Delphi. Find out what the future really holds for Delphi here!

Your competent Delphi partner

The migration of Delphi requires careful planning and a structured approach. At soxes, we have extensive experience in migrating legacy systems such as Delphi and are happy to support you in making this process run smoothly.

With over 20 years of experience in individual software development, soxes has the expertise to take over old Delphi applications, analyse them, continue programming and, if necessary, carry out re-engineering in a targeted manner.

Our team analyses your existing Delphi applications and develops an individual plan for your company. We stabilise your application and maintain or extend it according to your wishes and requirements.

Are you more interested in entering a new development environment instead of an extension? We bring outdated applications back into the present through the re-engineering process by porting them to modern and more powerful technologies such as C# (C-Sharp) or Python.

Our aim is to offer a comprehensive solution that meets the specific requirements of your company and facilitates the transition to modern, more powerful products and technologies.

Reduce costs by modernising Delphi!

  • Technical analysis of your system
  • Initial migration strategies with cost estimates

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Sofia Steninger

Sofia Steninger
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