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Published November 21, 2024
Product Owner, Ispirer Systems
Article summary:
In the article we are going to dispell some of the most popular code modernization myths related to cost, time, downtime, team and other misconceptions.
According to Asperitas' survey, 100% of IT leaders find software modernization significant to their business. However, this process is surrounded by myths that make IT managers postpone the endeavor.
Beyond the real value of this process, a number of challenges and misconceptions undermine these projects. In this article, we will break down the most popular code modernization myths.
What is code modernization?
Code modernization is improving existing software code by integrating modern practices, tools, and frameworks while preserving existing functionality. It includes various practices, such as upgrading programming languages, optimizing algorithms, refactoring code structures, and leveraging cloud-native adoption.
Myth 1. It's cheaper to rewrite code manually
Some IT managers claim that rewriting the application code manually is cheaper than automatic conversion. We can confidently say that this is not true. Why?
Firstly, upgrading with automatic conversion tools is much faster than rewriting the application for years. In our experience and our clients' experience, upgrading applications with nGLFLy Wizard takes about 20% of the time required for manual conversion. Therefore, using tools for upgrading is always a winning solution.
Secondly, if you are still hesitant about upgrading your systems, consider the potential long-term cost savings.
When you rewrite an application by hand, it may not match the original exactly. This is true unless you use a method like the one used by advanced automatic modernization tools. On the other hand, an automatic conversion provides full equivalence to the original system.
This means that there is no need to retrain your employees since the new system is identical to the original. For example, some complex systems may require more than 10 weeks of training for 5000 users.
Let's compare manual code modernization and automated code modernization.
| Aspect | Manual modernization | Automated modernization |
|---|---|---|
| AspectSpeed | Manual modernizationGenerally slower due to the need for manual coding and testing. | Automated modernizationFaster execution as automation can handle repetitive tasks quickly. |
| AspectCost | Manual modernizationOften higher costs are due to labor-intensive processes. | Automated modernizationLower costs in the long run due to reduced labor and time savings. |
| AspectQuality control | Manual modernizationAllows for detailed review and quality checks. | Automated modernizationMinimal risk of errors requires human review. |
| AspectComplexity handling | Manual modernizationBetter suited for complex systems requiring nuanced understanding and decision-making. | Automated modernizationMay need help with highly complex legacy systems that need context-specific solutions. |
| AspectSkill requirements | Manual modernizationRequires skilled developers familiar with legacy systems and modern practices. | Automated modernizationDevelopers need to be proficient in using automation tools. |
| AspectFlexibility | Manual modernizationMore flexible in adapting to unique project requirements and constraints. | Automated modernizationLess flexible; relies on predefined rules and automation tools' capabilities. |
| AspectMaintenance | Manual modernizationOngoing maintenance is labor-intensive but allows for tailored updates. | Automated modernizationAutomated tools may require periodic updates but can streamline maintenance tasks. |
Myth 2. Legacy system modernization requires a large team
Updating old applications with millions of lines of code requires a big team and a lot of time. However, the days when modernization took many years are gone. Today, there are many tools, including AI-powered ones, that speed up the process.
Using these tools in their projects, customers can speed things up and save money. They can also reduce the number of employees needed for manual updates. At the documentation end, this time and effort reduction can be over 90%.
Time savings can be 40% to 60% or more, depending on the chosen modernization path. This allows your modernization team to be lean and significantly more productive than those working primarily with manual processes.
Myth 3. Modernization requires code freeze and disrupts business processes
Modernizing applications requires stopping fundamental functionality changes for the duration of the modernization project. This approach creates a barrier to business policy updates.
Until recently, organizations had to freeze code in production to extract rules from the code. It was necessary to avoid creating functionality differences between the original application and its optimized or modernized version. Consequently, many companies were reluctant to start large modernization projects, especially when applications require constant updates.
In the modernization projects, tools allow you to run applications simultaneously in legacy and modernized environments. Then, switch the old application to the new one with minimal downtime.
Myth 4. No need to worry if my legacy system works
It is no secret that a modernization project is an expensive pleasure. Sometimes, there is no need to modernize anything. After all, everything works anyway, so why modernize? But it is more complicated.
In fact, outdated software can lead to various problems related to compatibility, security, and regulatory compliance in the long term.
- Security issues arise because legacy software adheres to outdated standards.
- Compliance issues arise when a company refrains from using modern applications and third-party developments. This can result in operational shortcomings and obstruct the integration of innovative technologies.
- Regulatory adherence. Nearly every sector is exposed to changing regulations. Outdated applications may only sometimes meet new legal standards. This could lead to legal and financial repercussions for your enterprise.
Don't wait until your legacy system causes you more problems. Considering the benefits an updated application will bring you in the future, upgrading is only a matter of time. NGLFly Wizard is a product that allows you to migrate legacy applications automatically. The tool works with many programming languages, including COBOL, Delphi, Informix 4GL, PowerBuilder, Progress4GL, C#, Java, Python, VB.NET, C++, and others.
Myth 5. It's Better to Build a New Application
Legacy applications can become extremely difficult over time. Eventually, you might find it easier to leave behind an old system and start a software development project with modern technologies. For some large enterprises, it may be considered an affordable option. However, completely rewriting the application can be expensive, time-consuming, and risky for most.
According to IBM, successful software modernization results in 15-35% annual cost savings, 74% savings on hardware, software, and personnel, and 30-50% lower application maintenance and running costs.
Benefits of code modernization
Upgrading the application brings several benefits:
- Improved performance and scalability. Using modern programming languages and technologies, the company can briefly enhance the system's performance and create new conditions for scaling the application. The upgraded system can withstand higher loads, which is especially important in a world where user expectations for application playback speed are growing daily.
- Reduced security vulnerabilities. Legacy systems often use outdated security protocols, which exposes the application to additional risks.
- Easier integration with third-party applications. New technologies make integrating artificial intelligence, third-party services, and other emerging trends easy. All of this creates new opportunities for business development.
Don't let myths discourage you
Although modernization is always tricky and expensive, we hope we have dispelled common misconceptions about code modernization. It is worth remembering that combining automation and professionalism is always the key to a successful modernization project.
Book a 30-demo with the Ispirer expert to see how nGLFLy Wizard can foster your application modernization initiative.
