Which technologies do you modernize?

We work with technologies like Delphi, Access, .NET, C++, Python, Angular, Azure, and cloud stacks, among others.

How can I avoid downtime during modernization?

We work in clearly defined steps, test every change, and ensure that your production systems remain available throughout the project.

How do I know my software urgently needs to be overhauled?

If updates are barely possible, new features become very expensive, frequent failures occur, or specialists refuse to work with the technology, it's time to take action.

What does it cost to technically renew an existing system?

The costs depend on the system's size, technology, and desired scope of functions. Many projects range between CHF 50,000 and CHF 500,000, often with clearly measurable savings in maintenance and operation.

Can individual modules be modernized step-by-step instead of all at once?

Yes. A phased approach is common and reduces both risk and budget strain.

Services

Digitalisation Re-Engineering Systems and Support

Modernize Outdated Software: Reduce Risks, Save Costs (Re-Engineering)

How can I support you?

Robert Schmuck
CTO | Technology

+41.. Show number +41 55 253 00 53

Get expert advice. Discover our success stories.

Re-engineering (legacy modernization) by soxes reduces manual processes, closes security gaps, and lowers maintenance costs by technically modernizing existing applications.

In this article you will learn:

Re-Engineering explained: Analysis, code optimization, and architecture updates for old applications like Delphi, Access, or .NET.
Business Impact: Fewer failures, lower operating costs, and faster development of new features.
Why act now: Outdated systems cause up to 30% higher maintenance costs and are significantly more susceptible to security incidents.

Re-engineering vs. New development

Re-engineering	New development
Optimize and modernize existing software.	Completely redesign and develop the application from scratch.
Cheaper, as existing components are used.	Higher investment due to complete redevelopment
Time required is shorter, as many structures are preserved.	More time-consuming, as everything is created from scratch.
Lower technical risk because known processes and functions are preserved.	Higher, as everything has to be newly tested and integrated.
When core functions should be preserved but need to be modernized.	When the existing solution is outdated, inefficient, or unusable.

When outdated software slows down operations

Many Swiss companies work with IT systems that were developed years ago and have only been patched up since.

The result:

Processes run slowly and require manual intermediate steps
Interfaces to new tools are only partially functional
Updates become a risk because nobody knows exactly what’s in the code

What at first glance looks like “technical debt” has concrete financial consequences.
According to McKinsey, technical legacy systems tie up 15 to 60% of total IT spending, while an additional 10 to 20% of the budget has to be spent on the ongoing management of these legacy systems.

The security risks are even more serious.
A recent report by Dreamlab Technologies shows that in 2024 alone, over 2.5 million potential vulnerabilities were discovered in IT systems in Switzerland, 421,000 of them critical. Many of these risks affect systems that no longer receive security updates.

Robert Schmuck, CTO soxes

Modernizing your legacy software through re-engineering optimizes your IT infrastructure and at the same time increases the efficiency and competitiveness of your company. All without throwing proven processes overboard.

Re-engineering explained: Modernize instead of redevelop from scratch

Many leaders, when faced with old software, immediately think of a complete new development.
Re-engineering is a different approach: We take the existing application, analyze it in detail, and update the code, architecture, and database structures to bring the system up to date, all without destroying the functioning core processes.

The goal of re-engineering is clear:

Better performance
Higher security
Maintainability and documentation
Lower costs

Re-engineering is therefore more than software maintenance.

We consider the entire architecture, check the technologies used, improve data models, and modernize user interfaces so that the application remains usable in the long term. Through software re-engineering and the digitalization of processes, companies regain control over their systems. More on this: Re-Engineering: why, actually?

The goal of a re-engineering project is to ensure the software quality and its maintainability for a company in the long term. Re-factoring also refers to quality-improving adjustments to a software, but on a more operational and short-term level. Software re-engineering can include re-factoring measures. You can find out what distinguishes these two procedures in detail and which process is a better fit for your company’s software here!

Typical Scenarios for Our Clients

Manual work steps in production or administration cause errors and time loss.
Legacy applications such as Delphi, Access, or older .NET systems can no longer be updated without risk.
Dependency on specific expertise: The developer who knows the code has left the company.
Compliance pressure: Data protection, ISO standards, or industry-specific requirements demand current security standards.
Systems that have grown over the years lead to data silos, faulty reports, and complex integrations of new tools.
Rising maintenance costs because small changes become disproportionately expensive.

Use Case: Modernization of Personnel Management at the Diocese of St. Gallen

1 Project Overview

For a long time, the Diocese of St. Gallen managed its personnel data in a simple Access application. The project's goal was to develop a modern, web-based solution to centrally and efficiently record and manage internal, external, and freelance employees. soxes was commissioned to create a user-friendly and future-proof application.
2 Challenge

The previous Access solution was technically outdated, difficult to expand, and led to duplication. The diocese needed a central platform that securely stores data, is usable across locations, and simplifies the creation of reports.
3 Solution

soxes developed a web-based application based on ASP.NET and JavaScript. Users can assign people to multiple functions and organizational units and create their own analyses and reports using filters. The system also allows for exports for Outlook imports or Adobe InDesign to directly process personnel directories.
4 Result

The new solution reduces the processing time for personnel data by around 30% and lowers operating costs by approximately 25% in the first year. Central data storage enables secure access from all locations. Different user permissions ensure clear responsibilities. Comprehensive documentation ensures that internal teams can independently maintain and further develop the system.

Risks If Nothing Happens

The waiting for the “right time” can be expensive. Companies that ignore the need for modernization risk:

Production failures: Studies show that unplanned downtime in the industry costs an average of 147,000 EUR per hour (ABB Report 2024).
Cyberattacks: Outdated systems are popular targets. According to HeroDevs, end-of-life software products are more than twice as likely to be attacked as current systems.
Missed business opportunities: Slow systems hinder innovation, complicate integrations, and extend time-to-market.
Data loss: Missing backups and unpatched databases increase the risk of data corruption or irretrievable loss of business-critical information.
Reputational damage: Downtime or security incidents lead to customer mistrust and can cost you market share.

Our Re-engineering Process

At soxes, we follow a clearly structured approach to ensure your system remains stable during modernization.

Analysis Phase

We examine the code, architecture, databases, and dependencies.
The result: a detailed report with risks, costs, and savings potential.

Concept Phase

Together, we define priorities, technologies, and the migration plan.
We show which parts of the code can be reused and where a new implementation makes sense.

Implementation

We modernize step-by-step: from critical security patches to in-depth architectural improvements.
Operations continue to run while we optimize in the background.

Stabilization and Handover

We conduct comprehensive testing, document all changes, and train your team.
This ensures your system remains maintainable even after completion.

Our ISO 27001 certification guarantees the highest security standards throughout the entire project.

Tangible Benefits for Your Business

Cost Reduction

Clients report 20 to 40% lower maintenance costs within the first year after completion.
Improved Performance

Optimized code shortens loading and processing times by an average of 20 to 30%, which employees and clients directly experience.
Faster Innovation

A clean architecture facilitates the development of new features and integrations.
Higher System Availability

Stable architecture reduces unplanned outages by up to 50%, which significantly lowers production downtime and support costs.
Controlled Handover

Documentation and know-how transfer ensure the long-term maintainability of your system.
Enhanced Security

Closing security gaps reduces the risk of costly data protection incidents.

Robert Schmuck, CTO soxes AG

Frequently asked questions

Which technologies do you modernize?

We work with technologies like Delphi, Access, .NET, C++, Python, Angular, Azure, and cloud stacks, among others.
How can I avoid downtime during modernization?

We work in clearly defined steps, test every change, and ensure that your production systems remain available throughout the project.
How do I know my software urgently needs to be overhauled?

If updates are barely possible, new features become very expensive, frequent failures occur, or specialists refuse to work with the technology, it's time to take action.
What does it cost to technically renew an existing system?

The costs depend on the system's size, technology, and desired scope of functions. Many projects range between CHF 50,000 and CHF 500,000, often with clearly measurable savings in maintenance and operation.
Can individual modules be modernized step-by-step instead of all at once?

Yes. A phased approach is common and reduces both risk and budget strain.

Speak directly with our experts!

In a non-binding conversation, we’ll clarify your current situation and show you realistic options.

Personal consultation by experienced project managers
Measures for quick efficiency gains

Direct number

+41 55 253 00 53

Book a free consultation!

Anastasia sitzt konzentriert an ihrem Tisch

How can we support you with your software project?

Robert Schmuck
CTO | Technology

+41.. Show number +41 55 253 00 53

Please contact me Our References

Expert knowledge for your project

CTO at soxes and driving force behind technological excellence: Robert Schmuck is responsible for architectural decisions, software quality, and AI expertise. He leads the development teams, complemented by a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Scrum certifications, with a clear eye for processes, efficiency, and strategy.