We at Chain Mountain always emphasize the importance of developing a comprehensive strategy before embarking on cloud or data center initiatives. This week, we will delve into the complex realm of legacy applications—the stalwart, yet antiquated, systems that often underpin a significant portion of revenue generation. These are the tried-and-true established applications that have weathered the storms of time but now present formidable challenges in terms of scalability and upkeep.
When we talk about old established applications, it’s crucial to recognize that age is not the sole determinant. A transportation management system that’s a decade old may be considered antiquated, while a banking system with forty years under its belt still plays a vital role in financial infrastructure. Thus, the definition of “old” varies depending on the context and the industry in which the application operates.
The burning question on every executive’s mind is invariably: How do we modernize this ‘thing’? It’s a multi-million dollar conundrum that demands a carefully crafted strategy to address.
Various questions inevitably surface:
- What triggers the need for an upgrade or rewrite?
- How should we approach this daunting task?
- What are the risks involved, particularly in terms of security and compliance?
- What if hardware support for the legacy system becomes obsolete?
Here’s a concise list of what to avoid and what to prioritize:
Don’ts:
- Don’t rush to hire cutting-edge developers.
- Don’t hastily embark on building a new platform from scratch.
- Don’t allow sentimentality or the opinions of longtime stewards of the legacy application to drive decision-making.
- Don’t overprovision cloud resources without a clear plan.
- And whatever you do, don’t make promises to the CEO about swift replacements without a solid plan in place.
Do’s:
- Do convene the executive team to align strategic goals and ownership.
- Do foster a mindset shift towards envisioning alternative solutions.
- Do assess your team’s capacity for innovation and adaptability.
- Do consider enlisting the expertise of external firms to explore available options and pathways.
- Do: ensure you have created a team that understands the detailed business processes as well as the technical ways to accomplish the goals. This team should consist of some of the most talented resources in the company.
Rebuilding an established application is a formidable endeavor, but the challenges of implementation and adoption are even more daunting. It requires not just financial investment, but strategic foresight, meticulous planning, and collaborative partnerships.
At Chain Mountain, we understand the gravity of this undertaking. We stand ready to assist you in crafting a tailored strategy, driving execution, and facilitating seamless adoption every step of the way. Your project, your timeline, your success—let us be your trusted partners on this transformative journey.