Application modernization services address the legacy migration to new applications or platforms and integrate new functionality to offer the latest functions to the business. Modernization options include re-platforming, recoding, re-hosting, re-architecting, re-engineering, replacement, interoperability and retirement, and alteration to the application architecture as well.
Our aim through this article is to help you understand the key driving factors to make the right decision rather than just suggesting names. So before you scroll through the list of companies to whose among, let’s first learn how to choose.
Software migration and modernization services typically range from application migration and porting, application remediation, containerization, server, and database modernization etc.
How to choose an outsourcing company?
Flexibility is the key to long-term stability
A flexible approach allows the tech team to adjust core procedures to your assumptions and objectives. It lets you react well to unavoidable changes happening along the way.
By assessing methods used in the process, they can ensure continuous progress.
However, flexibility can also relate to other aspects, such as team composition and product ownership. There are several collaboration models to choose from, each needing a different engagement level from the partner’s side.
Discussion Process
Elaborate discussions with a software modernization partner let you better understand their processes. They’re also an excellent opportunity to clarify your internal procedures and requirements.
While it’s vital that the partnering company has a proactive approach and guides you in the right direction, it’s also critical for them to be open to your vision and respect it.
Knowing all the ins and outs
Lastly, as a client, you have every right to explore the experience of your potential tech partner in terms of software development as basic and software modernization in particular. A track record is always a plus and a decent sign of reliability.
Independent review sites, such as Clutch, collect clients’ opinions through detailed interviews. It’s a good source of information to check out before you engage with a trustworthy and qualified partner.
The first thing to do is to access the development capabilities of the software company. This can be understood by looking through the portfolio of projects. Below are the key project areas that need to be taken into consideration while outsourcing a software vendor.
Cloud Migration: On-Premise to Cloud, Virtual to Cloud, Datacentre to Cloud, Cloud to Cloud, serverless etc.
Website Migration: Across Hosts and CMSs (like WordPress, Drupal), across SPA/PWA, across different technologies (like PHP, Ruby, Java, Asp.Net, JavaScript, Python)
Platform Migration: Migration to Hybrid/Native/Cross-Platform, Migration Windows, Linux, UNIX, Mac OS X
Server Migration: Configuration of Database Server, Web, and Application, Measures for Backup and Disaster Recovery with expertise in Apache Web Server, Nginx, IIS
Database & Data Migration: Data Archival and Storage, Data Extraction and Conversion across databases like MSSQL, AWS Dynamo DB, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
Skills and roles
Workflow and skills turn out to be important when assessing if a chosen tech partner can undertake the modernization process in your company. To expose the true value of a team, it’s worth examining the individuals that build it. A multidisciplinary team consists of members whose expertise is complementary. Each of them has a particular goal to achieve and plays a vital role in your project. Let’s dive deeper into the specialists of a tech team.
Developers
This is probably the first role that comes to mind when you think about a digital project. Developers write the code and implement changes described in the scope. They tackle the analytical challenges and solve them by creating high-quality code, fulfilling modern standards. The people engaged in the modernization process should know the vertical or the sort of software your product belongs to. It makes finding appropriate solutions much easier.
Software Architects
It’s a skillful individual combining an analytical mind with development skills. Their main objective is to outline the software’s internal structure and generate the most reasonable project roadmap. Their experience in maintaining, designing, and creating digital products is invaluable for more advanced tech endeavors, along with software modernization.
Product Designers
Before the development begins, one needs a visual representation of the product.
Generating a user-friendly flow with an aesthetically pleasing design for the product is fairly challenging. Within this section, we can differentiate two main roles: a UX designer and a UI designer.
The first one tackles the interface, confirming that the layer users interact with is pleasant to the eye. A UX specialist goes deeper, focusing not just on the visual aspect of the product but also the performance. An excellent designer should know the latest design standards to confirm the usability and versatility of their work.
Business Analysts
As the name suggests, a business analyst performs a detailed analysis of your needs to determine the objectives your product should meet. Their role is to act as your initial point of contact as the conversation begins; making sure your vision is understood by the whole crew working on the modernization.
Checklist for successful application modernization
Remember these four key factors for a successful software modernization project:
1. Select the modernization approach that would be the fastest to deliver value.
Based on the assessment held in the first phase, choose the appropriate modernization approach that fits your needs best.
2. Assess the current state of legacy systems.
The assessment should be systematic yet detailed: Study all aspects of your technology, from architecture and code to visual look and feel, considering your future business plans for product growth.
3. Rethink the architecture and look for simplicity.
When modernizing your system, less is more regarding both architecture and functionality. Implement only the most important features, like the Microservices architecture approach, to make your product scalable.
4. Choose the technology stack for optimal performance and user experience.
The right tech stack helps build a performant, efficient, reliable product. Adopt a solid testing process and quality assurance to get the best results.
Conclusion
Choosing a good outsourcing company alone is not enough! You need to make sure that things are running smoothly after that. Be ever ready to invest in staff training for quality performance and efficiency. Additionally, make a schedule for regular system updates. If you fail to keep your product updated, you might soon face another modernization challenge.
That’s why it’s essentially important to engage with the best outsourcing company. Our recommendation would be-
Mindfire Solutions- https://www.mindfiresolutions.com/
Sciencesoft- https://www.scnsoft.com/
Tatvasoft- https://www.tatvasoft.com/
Like other businesses, if you too are looking for software migration and modernization services, Mindfire Solutions can be your partner of choice. We have a team of highly skilled and certified software professionals, who have developed many custom solutions for our global clients over the years.
Here are a few interesting projects we have done with software migration and modernization. Click here to know more: