There's no denying that the digital world has advanced considerably over the last decade. For anyone looking for business advantages, this represents an exciting opportunity. Technology like artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the workplace. This means smoother workflows, happier teams, and enhanced growth. 

But, whilst the times are changing, many businesses aren't. They're stuck in the past with outdated legacy infrastructure that struggles to keep pace with consumer demands. Let's explore a solution to this problem: an application modernization strategy.

What is application modernization?

 

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Application modernization is the process of updating legacy applications. It achieves organizational goals by ensuring that systems are compatible with new technology.

In effect, application modernization does away with existing hardware. Instead, all of the code and infrastructure from your system is moved to cloud applications.

This transition can be compared to how VoIP small business phone systems do away with traditional landlines in favor of the Internet. You're no longer reliant on office hardware; everything is handled digitally. It's a cost-effective alternative to tearing up old systems and replacing them with new tech.

There's no denying that there's a hunger for application modernization in the business world. The modernization services market is forecasted to grow from 15.2 billion in 2022 to 32.8 billion by 2027.

5 Benefits of an Application Modernization Strategy

Why should you invest time in a modernization strategy? Here are 5 benefits proving that modernization is your business's only route forward.

1.    Improved security

 

Perhaps the biggest reason to consider application modernization is security. In the modern world, cyber-attacks are a constant threat. You only need to look at the stats to understand the scale of the security risks-66% of small to medium-sized businesses have experienced a cyber attack in the past 12 months. This isn't a problem that is going away anytime soon.

Sadly, legacy systems simply aren't equipped to deal with the challenge of modern cybercrime. Modern systems are constantly updated and adapted to provide better protection against the latest threats. Legacy systems, on the other hand, are often no longer supported. Hackers are well-versed in how to breach these systems. 

A modernized alternative can help plug these security gaps. Through modernization, you gain access to up-to-date security practices, including:

• DDoS Protection.
• Cloud security systems.
• AI machine learning-powered technologies.
• End-to-end encryption.
  

2.    Heightened productivity

In recent years, we've seen a renewed focus on user experience (UX). Modernized applications have been built with UX in mind, with simplified user interfaces, integration with other software, and in-built help guides.

The same can't be said for all legacy systems. Extensive training is sometimes required before employees can get to grips with such systems. Similarly, older applications often feature a lot less automation, meaning users have to complete repetitive tasks.

In both instances, productivity is stunted. Luckily, a software modernization strategy is the key to overcoming these hurdles. You can introduce more simplistic, intuitive systems that allow employees to easily jump in and boost their experience.

For businesses looking to showcase their modernization efforts, having a set of UX portfolio examples can be a valuable asset.

What's more, you can enhance your system with new features. By introducing automation, for instance, you can cut out tedious, repetitive tasks. This allows teams to focus on growth-related activities.

3.    Maintains familiarity

Whilst most employees eventually embrace change, there is always an element of reluctance. By introducing entirely new systems, you might be met with some reluctance from your employees. This is especially true for long-term team members who are highly familiar with your existing applications.

New systems also mean more training and onboarding. You might not be able to reap the rewards of your new application straight away.

By pursuing an application modernization strategy, however, you can get the best of both worlds. You'll bring your old systems in line with newer technologies, whilst maintaining some of the familiarity of your existing application. This means that your employees will be less unsure about the transition.

Fewer training sessions will also be needed to get to grips with your new system. Thanks to integration with tools like remote support software provided by RealVNC, you can help employees even if they aren't in the office.

4.    More scalability

The current rate of technological change is rapid, to say the least. It's a ‘blink and you'll miss it' situation. Whether it's the latest software aimed at brand visual identity or new cybersecurity innovations, digital businesses need to be plugged into the latest tech changes. You might need the ability to run applications at scale and integrate with new developments.

Relying on legacy systems isn't the answer here. You'll find it difficult to scale within the existing infrastructure of your old hardware. But of course, as modernization does away with physical hardware, you won't have such constraints. Thanks to the benefits of cloud computing, businesses can easily scale to accommodate new needs.  

5.    Lower costs

Legacy systems can be expensive, to say the least. Firstly, there is maintenance to consider. Legacy systems run on outdated hardware and operating systems that are more liable to malfunction. Repairs can be costly, both in terms of price, but also in business disruptions. When systems are down, projects are halted and progress is slowed.

An application modernization strategy means you can wave goodbye to your outdated hardware.

With your newer, cloud-based solution, you no longer have to worry about maintenance. You'll only be paying for cloud space, which is maintained by your host. The built-in service of Cloud technologies also includes disaster recovery and regular backups, vastly reducing the critical issues associated with downtime.

Some providers, such as Drupal cloud hosting, also help manage access control and reduce compliance risks. This helps to reduce worries related to storage and database management. You'll benefit from better analytics capabilities. And of course, in comparison to getting entirely new software, application modernization is much cheaper.

​​Additionally, with modernized systems, you can easily implement contract templates, streamlining your document creation processes and reducing administrative overhead.

Modernize today

It's no use sticking with outdated legacy systems. Technical innovation is a continuous process, and your applications portfolio will be a relic of the past. To stay competitive, businesses must adapt. As we've explored, though, the solution doesn't have to mean expensive replacement of existing systems.

The right application modernization strategy can outline a clear path forward. As we've explored, from heightened security to fewer costs, this approach has a long list of benefits. 

So, why not embrace the future? Now is the time to begin working on a legacy modernization strategy that will be of huge benefit to your entire organization.

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