It is imperative that we take steps to implement application modernization -- so say the vendors. We need to act now to start transforming outdated legacy applications into cloud-, mobile- and digital-ready business solutions -- so say the vendors. But hang on, there’s an old saying in software application development isn't there?
“Legacy software is fine, it’s just old software that still works.”
That’s true, some legacy software systems are still so well suited to the task they were designed to perform that they are still around today. IBM still proudly makes its IBM System z mainframe and some of the software applications written for these machines 50 years ago are still capable of functioning on the latest ‘sporty’ range of big black boxes from the company we like to call Big Blue.
What actually is application modernization?
To be clear, we are not necessarily talking about completely reprogramming from scratch as that would be called rip-and-replace -- although that obviously does happen. Application modernization in the first instance more involves preserving the DNA of the original software and modernizing through what might be relatively invasive or non-invasive means. So-called invasive modernization involves heavy re-coding, less extreme non-invasive methods may involve ‘exposing’ the original application to users through a modern cloud service or web-based front end.
So… why all the modernization fuss?
Some applications will need to be brought forward kicking and screaming so that they are re-platformed for mobile (tablet and smartphone) use cases that were never envisaged at the outset. Skills are also a factor. As programming languages go, Java and C# are considerably more en vogue than COBOL (COmmon Business Oriented Language), which dates back to the fifties. This means that some applications will need completely re-architecting, or modernizing if you prefer.
Speed is also a factor i.e. speed of real time data, speed of ‘event’ data and speed of transactions in an always-on world. As we have explained before, modern applications are making use of technologies such as the Node.js cross-platform runtime environment and development platform. Node.js is characterized by its non-blocking approach to I/O (input/output) and its affinity for asynchronous events when building server-side applications. This is the kind of thing you find in real-time mobile cloud-based social applications the draw upon insight from big data streams -- enough buzzwords in once sentence there?
So we must resign ourselves to a certain amount of application modernization. Usual suspects in this category will include Micro Focus, EMC, Progress Software, Capgemini and IBM itelf and so on. It’s a long list and everyone wants a slice of the application modernization pie -- after all, who wants to be seen as out of date?
Given those big guys’ existence, let’s deliberately mention a smaller modernizer. Ciber, Inc is known for its own-branded ‘Momentum’ product. This is a set of software tools designed to automate application modernization.
“CIOs identify application modernization as a top initiative and investment priority,” said Michael Boustridge, president and CEO of Ciber. “Until recently, application modernization was predominately a people-based model and involved laboriously rewriting software. Ciber Momentum automates the process by rapidly transforming outdated legacy applications into cloud, mobile and digital-ready business solutions.”
The sting in the tail?
The software uses the firm’s own engineering product to re-platform applications. So is this the catch? Firms selling application modernization solutions start to embed their own DNA into your new software so that you start to become dependent on them?
The firm says no. It promises to consistently deliver high-quality code that is 80 - 85 percent generated without any proprietary lock-in or additional software burden – saving 60 percent of the time versus traditional, manual and tool-based conversion.
“Another driver is the pace with which organizations are adopting cloud solutions. Legacy applications are a major barrier to cloud migration, denying companies the associated cost, delivery, speed and operational benefits. Ciber Momentum re-architects legacy applications into cloud-ready business solutions that meet the needs of social and mobile users,” said the firm, in a press statement.
The application modernization concept is simple enough on paper. Extend the value of application investments today, tomorrow and well into the future and free time spent on application maintenance for strategic, market-driven initiatives. This is a growing sector with an increasing number of vendor players, which as you can see come in large, medium and regular sized portions.
But application modernization needs to happen for the right reasons and at the right level. Don’t rip and replace until you really start to go out of style.
