Strategies for application modernization success

It’s time to leave your legacy. We all know running legacy IT systems can be costly, inefficient and at times, frustrating. Right now, 70 percent of IT resources on the federal government side are dedicated to legacy management. We see similar numbers in the healthcare industry and private enterprise. Moreover, legacy systems don’t easily support the new technology we need, like cloud computing and mobile apps. This is why application modernization is front and center. Legacy modernization plans are a key initiative for organizations of all sizes and budgets, with good reason. We’re living in a new state of computing, and companies can wait no longer. But these projects aren’t easy; they are never without roadblocks and technical challenges. So where do we start? Upfront planning and investment rationalization can pave the way for a smoother project and a successful result. What’s the key to achieving your goals? First and foremost, it’s important understand the drivers that define project goals. Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) used to be the main catalyst for these projects, but there’s been a shift. Today, application modernization is also been driven by the need for new business requirements and new technology adoption. That’s why I think it’s important to communicate the benefits to all stakeholders through a well-vetted application rationalization plan. Moreover, we must demonstrate that legacy modernization is an ongoing process, not a one-time goal. What’s the best way to keep a project on schedule? Once expectations are set, it’s vital to develop a comprehensive, detailed schedule. Remember, these are complex projects; standard resources and processes do not apply. The biggest risk to any project is what’s not seen in the beginning. That’s why a detailed project plan with integration points throughout can address unforeseen issues. I also recommend setting up a monthly joint steering committee meeting. This high-level discussion will effectively knock out roadblocks and help keep the project on schedule. How can you avoid downtime during an implementation? That’s another great thing about today’s capabilities. Today’s application modernization plans be accomplished without freezing your data or applications. For instance, solutions like Dell’s ZeroIMPACT Migration services or application rehosting and database conversions can provide a seamless transition. With that in mind, every project needs a solid fallback plan — we should prepare for any possibility when it comes to data migration and the like. How do I find the right partner? The right application modernization services vendor actively involves relevant stakeholders upfront and throughout a project’s timeline. The right vendor has enterprise experience, is collaborative and can solve problems because they’ve seen them before. And most important: your vendor must understand your business needs. You can learn more about challenges and success factors or listen to a recent webinar featuring Brandon Edenfield, Dell’s executive director of Application Modernization Services. The bottom line is this: application modernization is inevitable. Success rides on proper planning and communication.