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Learn more about the most common legacy modernization myths.
Digital technologies are evolving rapidly, providing a host of new opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the power of their data, create efficiencies, improve quality and performance, and drive profitable growth. While these are all positive improvements for a business, there are still some lingering myths about modernizing legacy platforms that prevent organizations from realizing real success on their digital transformation journey. It’s time to separate fact from fiction and bust these common myths.
Myth #1: Legacy Modernization is Just About Technology
Reality: Don’t get us wrong; technology is an integral part of the equation. After all, the reality is legacy systems aren’t always architecturally aligned to scale and support these new initiatives and grow the business; however, there’s more to it. Your approach needs to account for strategic, commercial, cultural, and talent components in addition to the technical challenges. Do you have the organization committed to change? Do you have the right talent to execute this vision? These are all questions that need to be addressed and mitigated in the process.
Myth #2: One Size Fits All
Reality: This may work for hats, but not when it comes to legacy modernization. Fundamentally, there are many ways you can modernize legacy platforms, and one solution does not fit all. Replatform, refactor, virtualization/encapsulation, rearchitect or replace – these are all options to explore to see what makes the most sense for your organization. This could involve doing a complete rewrite from the ground up or breaking down monoliths into microservices. These are all approaches to consider before you embark on your journey. The good news – you have options!
Myth #3: It’s Too Expensive (Meaning No One Will Ever Approve It)
Reality: Due to being a major budgetary consideration spread out over a long period, legacy modernization is often overlooked as an organization-wide priority. Budgeting conversations need to happen upfront, easing some of the concerns around the uncertainty of costs and constraints to gain stakeholder buy-in. A truly digital transformation journey starts with the customer experience and emphasizes the linkage of customer value creation. Making large multi-year commitments tied to value creation at every stage is not only possible but is necessary for a return on investment.
Myth #4: If It’s Not Broke, Don’t Fix It Mentality Is The Way To Go
Reality: Being paralyzed by potential risks and complacent with the status quo will not help your business be agile or create disruption in your industry. Risk can creep out from just about anywhere – that’s why it’s essential to cover your bases and approach legacy platform modernization with your eyes wide open. All business units involved must be committed to the modernization process from the beginning to eliminate the risk that any of them will attempt to halt the process at any point.
Myth #5: It Takes Too Much Planning
Reality: It’s no secret that legacy modernization initiatives require a significant time investment; however, taking extra care to assess the full scope of your organization’s needs upfront pays off in the long run. In life and the case of legacy modernization, sometimes you have to go slow to go fast. Take the time to analyze the business-technology trade-offs and prioritize building the most important features to the most important customers. These incremental pay-offs in what may end up being a several-year-long process will keep stakeholders satisfied with the progress.
To learn more about legacy modernization and how to navigate these myths, contact us today.
