Software Modernisation

Outdated software slows down a company: Sooner or later, these so-called legacy systems have to be modernised so that they remain functional and fit for the future. Software is often in use for too long and hinders continuous digitalisation. Yet functioning software is one of the most important pillars of a company and a decisive factor for success.

For over twenty years, soxes has had one mission: to create the best solution for your software requirements. We would be happy to be the partner who can drive your software forward in a promising way through modernisation. We provide detailed and targeted advice and improve your internal processes with innovative services.

We analyse your existing systems. The technical examination of the systems allows us to gain an insight into which technological changes are possible and sensible with a modern system landscape. We recognise how much potential your existing IT systems have and where improvements are necessary and possible. Do you need modernisation? A migration to the cloud or a complete re-engineering?

In a first phase, we analyse the ACTUAL situation of our customers and stabilise the existing system before we proceed with the actual modernisation. This is particularly important if legacy systems show difficulties or, in the worst case, no longer function.

In the second step, we design your personal modernisation strategy. In doing so, our team takes into account your specific requirements, long-term modernisation goals and budget. We create a concept and the necessary effort for the modernisation of your applications – with goals, methods, time schedule and the concrete results.

We completely replace your existing legacy systems if required. You receive a contemporary solution with a modern technology stack for your individual software from our experts. We optimise existing application software based on current technology to improve the performance, maintainability and reliability of your business.

What is software modernisation?

Software modernisation is the process of updating, optimising or restructuring existing software applications and software systems to make them more efficient, secure and user-friendly. Software modernisation can cover various aspects, such as migrating to new platforms, updating programming languages, improving the user interface or identifying and eliminating known security problems.

The focus here is on legacy systems, also known as legacy systems or existing systems. A legacy system, in short, is an obsolete computer software and/or hardware that is still in use but no longer meets current digital requirements. Outdated legacy software brings with it several problems, such as inefficiency, high maintenance costs, security risks and lack of integration.

Two options for software modernisation

Software modernisation basically includes two variants of renewal. Refurbishment (legacy modernisation) and re-engineering (new development). With re-engineering, the system under consideration is developed from scratch. A refurbishment, on the other hand, pursues the modernisation of the existing system by updating individual modules or services step by step. In both cases, the experts at soxes, with over 20 years of experience, can assist you in the further development or improvement of your software solution.

Upgrade thanks to legacy modernisation

In this form of software modernisation, the application is upgraded to a new version or technology. This happens, for example, when upgrading to a new Access version or to an updated version of Microsoft’s .NET framework.

Re-engineering

For some applications, a simple changeover to a new environment is no longer possible. The legacy and security gaps are too high, the software quality rather low. In this case, an analysis of the existing software and a subsequent new development is necessary.

Deciding when to modernise your software depends on a number of factors. Here are some signs that it is time to upgrade your software or consider moving to a completely new architecture. While insufficient functionality is the most commonly cited reason for software modernisation, there are a number of other reasons: Security, legal requirements, high cost, performance, robustness, scalability or usability.

Outdated technologies

If your software is based on outdated technologies and architectures that are no longer supported or up to date, then it is time for a modernisation. This may include migrating to a more up-to-date platform, a newer programming language or an updated database (cloud).

Scalability issues

If your software systems are struggling to keep up with growing user numbers or increasing demands, this may be a sign that modernisation is needed. Deploying updated architectures and technologies can help improve the scalability and performance of your software.

Security risks

If your software applications are vulnerable to security vulnerabilities or do not meet current security standards, you should consider upgrading legacy systems as well.

High costs

The costs of adapting software to changing business processes have become so high over the years that the business sense of continuing to develop this software must be questioned: Change is inevitable here.

Insufficient user experience

If customers are dissatisfied with the usability, speed or functionality of their software, this can be a clear signal that modernisation is necessary. By improving the user experience, you can increase customer satisfaction and productivity.

Difficulties with integration

If your software has difficulty integrating with other systems or applications, this can hinder efficiency and the flow of information. In the worst case, other important projects are prevented completely. Modernisation can help to improve the interaction of the different systems within your IT landscape.

Performance

Code is old and rewritten too many times. Enormous amounts of data consequently reduce the performance of IT-supported processes. A new strategy is needed to maintain the quality of business processes.

Legacy software can have many negative effects on the digitalisation and individual development of your company. Whether it is a security gap, poor performance or lack of compatibility with the IT environment. With a software modernisation, a modular application can be developed, often without much effort, that is built on a modern software architecture. A modernised software can be further developed over the years and easily receive additional functionalities. With just a few changes, legacy software can be transformed into a modern application that offers multilingualism, multi-user capability, and many other components of software modernisation.

Companies can enjoy greater flexibility through software modernisation. Existing applications can therefore be run in a new environment thanks to software modernisation, take advantage of the scalability of cloud technologies and benefit from the easy maintainability of the new application. By modernising legacy systems, maintenance costs of ageing systems can be reduced and the occurrence of security vulnerabilities in the software due to unsupported solutions can be avoided. Of course, modernisation and/or re-engineering also involves costs.

In the long run, however, you can still benefit from software modernisation. By efficiently investing in new technologies, up-to-date cloud structures and eliminating legacy systems, recurring operating and maintenance costs are reduced. Up-to-date systems are safer from attacks and software failures as known security gaps are closed. Existing problems are minimised by keeping the software up to date. The security of a company should always be at the forefront of its application.

Conclusion

Software modernisation is a crucial step for businesses to keep up with ever-changing technologies, customer demands, competitive landscapes and digital evolution. By updating outdated systems and adopting modern technologies, companies can become more flexible, agile and better prepared to meet the changing demands of the market.

In some cases, however, “simple” software modernisation is no longer sufficient and a new concept is needed. Here, an efficient re-engineering of the entire internal software is recommended. Together with you, we evaluate which criteria speak for re-engineering, how the right software selection is made and how a new software implementation can succeed smoothly.

It is important to note that software modernisation is a complex process that requires careful planning and expertise. Does your company lack the necessary know-how? Or do you need additional developer capacities? We look forward to your enquiry!