With the dawn of innovations in digitalization, the needs and preferences of consumers have evolved and constantly changing. Businesses that are still using applications that were built several years ago can benefit from application modernization.
Application modernization is the process of modernizing and updating traditional applications, which includes processes modernizing existing platforms, user experience, architecture, and functionalities among others.
Benefits of Modernizing Applications
There are various benefits that businesses can get from modernization applications. Some of these include the following:
- Productivity Increase. With application modernization, it is expected that IT productivity will increase by 30% as complicated systems related to big projects are eliminated.
- Reduction of Errors. This technology also offers error reduction of up to 60% since innovations in application modernization will enable error-free systems.
- Employee Engagement and Satisfaction. Another aspect that is significantly improved with application modernization is employee engagement and satisfaction. Employees will be motivated to learn and use new technologies offered by application modernization.
- Faster Processes. Businesses can improve their processes with modernized applications as these applications are designed to meet the demands of the changing market.
- Improved Consumer Satisfaction. With a market-ready application, businesses can meet the needs and preferences of their current and potential customers.
With all these benefits, application modernization is a vital process in digitalization and would make businesses more competitive.
Why Modernize Traditional Applications
Traditional applications are also referred to as monolithic applications. This type of application has two characteristics that make them desirable to modernize. They are difficult to update and rather costly to upscale.
Monolithic applications are essentially one large application. Since all of the application’s components are combined, it would be difficult and expensive to add new features due to complexity and integration challenges. They are difficult to upscale as well because even if only one part of the application is having performance issues, you will need to scale up the application as a whole.
With microservice architecture in modern applications, components are smaller and easier to manage and deploy. These microservices can be scaled independently without having to change the entire application.
How to Modernize Applications
So, how can businesses modernize their applications? Here are some ways to modernize applications.
- Encapsulation Method
This method involves breaking down functionalities of existing apps into several smaller services and these services are provided to the users via API or application programming interface. Through the use of this method, a monolithic application structure is converted into a microservices application structure.
- ReHost Method
This method is also referred to as the ‘Lift and Shift’ method and involves removing an existing application from an existing infrastructure environment and rehosting it in another environment that is more modern and more powerful, without redesigning any of its architecture.
- ReArchitect Method
This method is perhaps the most complicated in application modernization, as this involves a complete renovation of an existing application framework. This method redesigns how application architecture is developed and conceptualized. Additionally, cloud computing tools and software are deployed in this method to make an application more scalable, agile, and capable, of meeting consumer needs and demands.
- ReBuild Method
This method of application modernization involves redesigning the whole application in such a way that it would still preserve its original specifications and scope. This method may seem similar to ReArchitect method but this involves re-launching the application with a new look and interface.
- RePlatform Method
The RePlatform method, also known as the ‘Lift-Tinker-and-Shift’ method, does not involve restructuring the core application. However, the overall functionalities, as well as the user experience, are customized and optimized based on the business goals and objectives.
- ReFactor Method
This method has a similar approach to the ReHost method but comes with major improvements to the core components of a traditional application. This method breaks down the existing application into smaller components like frontend, backend, logging services, and databases. Optimizing these small components becomes easier and more seamless.
- RePlace Method
This method involves completely replacing an existing application with a new one with a new structure, functionalities, and scope. This new application is expected to come with a more robust and scalable technology like cloud computing making the application more productive.
Modernizing the Archaic at Mphasis
At Mphasis, they understand that archaic applications tend to limit the ability of businesses to innovate and businesses are faced with competitive pressures to get the most out of their information technology assets and optimize to meet the demands of the constantly changing and developing market.
For these reasons, Mphasis has formulated a plan to continuously provide its customers with personalized experiences and enter the market with new and improved applications. Their modernization programs aim to apply tools, best practices, and methodologies to transition traditional applications to modern ones, ensuring the delivery of business benefits.
Additionally, Mphasis deconstruct traditional applications in increments that requires minimal IT overhead, allowing the optimization of application modernization while still continuously delivering business benefits
At Mphasis, they understand their clients’ needs and aim to always personalize approaches based on these needs.
Mphasis 