4 benefits of Application Modernization| 7 ways to Modernize Traditional Applications

There are millions of businesses, both SMEs and large enterprises, that are still using traditionally built mobile applications, that are wasting their resources and demotivating their employees.

The process of optimizing and re-developing traditional mobile apps built on ancient platforms is known as application modernization, and it includes (but not limited to) modernizing the existing platform, architecture, UX/UI, user experience, functionalities, and more.

Depending on the existing mobile applications, and their loopholes and shortcomings, there are several ways we at TechAhead modernize traditional mobile apps and make them future-ready.

Before we discuss the 7 different ways any mobile app can be modernized, let’s discuss the inherent benefits of application modernization, and discover why your business needs this service, right now.

Benefits Of Application Modernization

As per research conducted by McKinsey, there are four main benefits of the application modernization process:

• IT Productivity increases by upto 30%, as complex bureaucracies associated with big projects, are removed
• Defects and bugs are reduced by upto 60%, as updated, new technologies empower organizations to launch error-free applications
• The motivation of current and new employees increase by upto 40%, as talented employees are drawn in to use and learn newer technologies
• Go-to-market process and shipping of new products are faster by upto 60%, as the modern, optimized application is already market-ready

This clearly proves that application modernization is an essential process and requirement for literally every business that is still dependent on old, outdated applications and platforms

7 Ways To Modernize Traditional Applications

Encapsulate

In the Encapsulation method of application modernization, the existing functionalities of the mobile app are broken down into several, smaller services, and provided to the end-user as services via an application programming interface (API).

Primarily, this approach converts a monolithic application structure into a microservices application structure. For example, offering new booking, changing an existing booking, and payment as separate services, rather than bundling them in one single mobile app.

ReHost

In this methodology for application optimization, the existing application is lifted from one infrastructure environment and rehosted on a modern, more powerful infrastructure environment, without any redesign or restructuring of the architecture.

This method is also called the “Lift & Shift” method, and examples include Amazon VM Export/Import and VMWare P2V module.

RePlatform

In replatform methodology for app modernization, the core application is not restructured, but the overall functionalities and user experience are optimized and customized as per the prevalent business objectives.

This is also known as the “lift-tinker-and-shift” model, and examples include Weblogic to Apache Tomcat migration or using AWS Elastic Beanstalk to deploy an application.

ReFactor

ReFactor approach is very similar to the ReHost approach, but with some major enhancements to the core components of the traditional application. One typical example can be breaking down the existing, old mobile application into various components like backend, frontend, databases, and logging services.

This way, managing and optimizing smaller components becomes easier and more seamless. Examples can be deploying Containers, PaaS in the current mobile app.

ReArchitect

This is one of the most complicated, and large-scale application modernization methodologies, that involves a complete overhaul of the existing mobile application framework, and re-imagining the way application architecture is conceptualized and developed.

Cloud-native tools and software are often deployed in this application modernization method, and this translates to more scalability, agility, and enhanced capabilities of the new, modern app.

Moving to Serverless architecture or PaaS-based delivery are good examples of this application modernization methodology.

ReBuild

ReBuilding is rewriting and re-developing the entire mobile application, in a way that preserves the original scope and specifications of the legacy application.

In a way, it’s similar to ReArchitect methodology, with a major difference in the actual process: Instead of just remodeling, we are re-developing and re-launching the legacy application in a completely new avatar.

RePlace

In this final methodology, we completely replace the existing mobile app with a new mobile app having a completely new structure, scope, and functionalities. In this model, newer, more robust, and scalable technologies such as Cloud computing is deployed, for making the modern application more ROI-centric, and more productive.

Replacing Microsoft Exchange Server with the 100% Cloud-based Office 365 is a good example of this application modernization methodology.

Source

We at TechAhead are experts in modernizing existing mobile apps and transforming them into robust, scalable, and powerful mobile apps.

Schedule a no-obligation, free consulting session with our Legacy App Modernization Company, and initiate the first step towards achieving more productivity and more ROI.