Gartner defines modernization as “the migration of legacy to new applications or platforms, including the integration of new functionality to provide the latest functions to the business”. It also lists re-platforming, re-hosting, recoding, rearchitecting, re-engineering, interoperability, replacement, and retirement as examples of modernization. Modernization can prove to be a game changer for organizations struggling with inefficient and unstable systems that pose security threats. Studies show that it improves application operation by over 10%. While it may be tempting for organizations to modernize their systems to gain an edge over their competitors, they must be aware of the pitfalls they might encounter in the process. Companies would avoid a great deal of inconvenience if they follow certain steps and avoid certain mistakes.

This blog is meant to educate them on the do’s and don’ts of modernization.

Things Not to Do in Modernization

Lift and Shift Approach: Migrating to the cloud with minimal changes to the application might be fruitful only if you are cognizant about the current and the target environments. So it is unwise to lift and shift the application and its data without doing a thorough analysis of the performance characteristics of your legacy systems and the new architecture. Ignoring the points of failure in your current architecture will also cost you a lot of time and resources.

Assuming Cloud Management is a Given: Some organizations assume that cloud management and maintenance post-migration is being taken care of while they are not. While cloud service providers provide management tools for this purpose, it is wise to consult a cloud expert to deal with this. Hence, organizations must not overlook maintenance and management of cloud during the modernization process.  They must also refrain from having non-cloud experts to handle cloud. Cloud migration can prove too complex for developers.

Not Choosing the Right Tools: When it comes to data, not choosing the correct tools for their migration will create complex problems for the organization to solve. Using cookie cutter solutions and ignoring data analysis and mapping will give rise to complexities. 

Things to do in Modernization

Assess Your Situation: Migrating to the cloud might not be as easy as it sounds, but having the correct set of skills and the right people might make things easy for you. However, adopting time tested practices in cloud migration is sure to lead you to the path of success. The foremost thing organizations must do is to identify the benefits they will be reaping post modernization.  Setting goals is crucial in this case because they will orient you towards building the right environment to run your business smoothly. Similarly, doing an elaborate and accurate assessment of your current environment is mandatory before modernizing. A better understanding of your resources and applications will give you insights into the compatibility and readiness of your current system. Cloud service providers will provide you with a range of tools that will help you with this assessment. Checking whether your applications have cloud-native features can make you agile and innovative. These features might include serverless functions, DevOps attempt, cloud platform automation, and compatibility with microservices.

Get the Help of a Cloud Partner: Hiring a trusted cloud partner goes a long way in making the modernization easier and without any complexities. Cloud partners have the necessary expertise and provide full time support along with maintenance and management. Resolving issues becomes really easy if organizations choose a good cloud partner. Organizations that utilize automation and scripting for deployment and migration can easily manage their cloud environments. This will increase consistency and your ability to rebuild environments.

Have a Backup Plan: Organizations must have the correct back out plan just in case you realize that the modernization will not yield your desired benefits. You must document everything and both the development teams and end users must be ready for testing during the process. Roadblocks during the migration can have dire consequences to business operations and hence a back out plan will not derail your expectations.

Conclusion

Modernization is not a simple task. It requires diligent planning and organizations must follow best practices while undergoing changes as vast as this. While things like setting goals for the future environment and evaluation of current environment will give you better outcomes, there are a few mistakes that can derail your expectations. Hence it is important to adopt the right strategy to undergo modernization.

Ready to modernize your IT infrastructure? Learn how Aspire Systems can help you improve scalability and productivity.

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