Software Modernisation

What is software modernisation?

Software modernisation is all about taking your weary and creaky old software and giving it a new lease of life. It could mean updating the outdated technology used to build the software, improving performance, adding new features, introducing new integrations or putting long overdue fixes in place. The aim is to make sure your software is as fit for purpose today as it was when it was first built. The beauty of modernisation is that you don't need to start from scratch; rather, we take what you've already got and bring it into the 21st century.

How do you modernise software?

There are many different ways you can modernise your software. Which approach is right for your business depends on the software itself and what you're trying to achieve. Here are some of your options:

Upgrading the tech

We'll start with the most obvious -you can replace any outdated frameworks, programming languages or components with modern alternatives to improve your software's security, performance and maintainability.

Example: Upgrading an older .NET application to a supported version of .NET so it remains secure, maintainable and compatible with other modern technology.

Improve, add to or upgrade your existing functionality

You might choose to modernise by refining features, fixing bugs and streamlining your workflows to fit the processes you use today (if they have changed) to make the software more efficient and easier to use.

Example: Updating a job management system to automate task allocation and notifications that employees currently have to trigger manually.

Modernising the interface

Maybe you just need to give your software a more intuitive, accessible and responsive design without necessarily changing how it fundamentally works.

Example: Redesigning your clunky old desktop application with clearer menus, a more logical layout and fewer steps to complete everyday tasks. If access from mobile devices or web browsers is also required, the interface (and underlying architecture) may need to be adapted or rebuilt to support them.

Integrating with other systems

Connecting your older software to modern applications can open up a world of opportunities for your business. You can expand your service offering, facilitate automatic data sharing and significantly reduce your manual workload.

Example: Connecting your existing order management system to your CRM and accounting software so customer details and order information can flow between them automatically.

Moving to the cloud

Moving your software or its infrastructure to the cloud where appropriate can improve flexibility, scalability and accessibility and give you access to numerous other useful services.

Example: Moving an application currently running on a crusty old on site server to suitable cloud infrastructure, reducing reliance on hardware that your business must maintain itself.

Restructuring the architecture

If you've found your software is becoming more difficult to work with with every passing year, reworking the underlying structure of your software could make it easier to maintain, extend and integrate with other technologies.

Example: Breaking down a large application with tightly connected components into more clearly separated modules, allowing individual features to be updated without it having an affect on the whole system.

The benefits of software modernisation

Now you know the how, let's look at the why:

Better performance: If your software has been around for a little while. Chances are, you've noticed some sort of degradation to it's performance. Slower loading times, bugs and poor optimisation can all be improved through modernisation.

A better user experience: Interfaces that were once considered slick, smooth and modern can quickly become old, tired and clunky. Modernising your software can make the interface more intuitive, accessible and easier to use for employees and customers alike.

Multi device access: If you're using old desktop based applications but would like to offer more modern alternatives to your clients and/or employees, you can move to a modern web application which allows users to access the software across desktops, tablets and mobile devices.

Expanded integration capabilities: Older software systems are unlikely to be able to connect with more modern apps and services which prevents you from being able to access additional services that could potentially help your business. Modernising your software can expand it's integration capabilities.

Reduced maintenance: Just like us humans, older software tends to need more in the way of care. By upgrading your software's technologies to the latest versions or replacing them with something more modern, you can reduce the time and costs associated with maintaining it. It's also worth noting that finding developers who work with older technologies such as WPF and Visual Basic can be a challenge.

A longer lifespan: Modernising your software often also means expanding it's lifecycle and getting more from your investment. 

When is software modernisation not appropriate?

Whilst software modernisation comes with many benefits, it's not always the most appropriate option and this will depend on your specific circumstances. Here are some scenarios where software modernisation might not be the best way forward:

The software doesn't meet your needs

Features and enhancements can be made to existing software but if your processes and thus, requirements have change significantly this might be more complex (and costly) than starting afresh.

The underlying technology is too outdated

Some tech is simply too old and will never be supported by the vendor again. Unsupported frameworks, obsolete programming languages and outdated databases can be extremely difficult and time consuming to maintain. This is another scenario where starting anew may be a more cost effective and less tme intensive option.

The software is fundamentally problematic

If your existing system is inherently unreliable, poorly documented or difficult to understand for new users then starting from scratch may be the better option. After all, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Best use cases for software modernisation

So, you may now be wondering whether your software is a good candidate for modernisation. Whilst the answer completely depends on the actual software and what you're looking to achieve, here are some of the strongest use cases:

You have legacy systems that underpin the business

Business critical legacy systems that support your day to day operations can cause all sorts of chaos when ripped out and replaced. Modernising the software instead allows you make improvements as needed without the disruption of a whole new roll out.

You're a growing business

If you've recently gone from startup to scale up and your software now needs to accommodate more users, more complex workflows or more data, modernisation is usually a great choice and allows you to address these growing challenges without a costly rebuild.

Your software has hit it's limits

Perhaps your application was originally architected in a way that makes it incredibly difficult to develop further. Modernising the structure itself can open it up to all kinds of additional capabilities, services and integrations.

Your software is at the end of it's support lifecycle

If your software relies on technologies that have reached the end of vendor support, it's a great time to plan for modernisation before it becomes urgent.

Is there a difference between software modernisation and software upgrades?

In short, yes. But they are very closely related and often overlap.

Software upgrades

Upgrades usually involve one of three things: updating your existing software to a newer version, installing security patches to address vulnerabilities and keep your system secure or replacing individual components that are outdated or no longer fit for purpose. The aim of an upgrade is to keep your software running reliably, securely and compatibly with other systems without necessarily changing how it fundamentally works.

Software modernisation

Software modernisation ends to be broader in approach and looks at how your software is built, how it works and how well it supports your business today. Based on that, the modernisation might look like an upgrade to outdated technologies, restructuring the application, redesigning certain aspects for a better experience and/or introducing new integrating new integrations and functionality. The aim here is to address any immediate and anticipated limitations so it continues to meet your needs both now and into the future.

An example

Upgrading your software might mean moving to a newer version of its existing framework. Modernising it could involve moving to a supported framework, reworking its architecture and replacing an outdated desktop interface with a modern web application.

How can we help?

If your software needs attention and you've decided that modernisation is the way forward, we're well placed to help. We've modernised many of our own systems and those of our clients over the years, so we understand how to improve existing software whilst preserving the functionality and processes that still fit your business.

We can move you away from outdated technology, improve performance, introduce new features or give an your ageing application a facelift. And if you don't yet know whether modernisation is the best option, we'll work with you to weigh up the pros and cons, suggest any alternatives and find the right approach for your specific circumstances.