Application Modernization Services

Legacy modernization isn’t a far-off dream

Aging systems and legacy enterprise applications built on languages such as COBOL or Natural often cannot take full advantage of today’s mainstream platforms like cloud and mobile computing. Legacy systems are typically incompatible with new technologies, which can impede digital transformation of enterprise IT.

For organizations that still rely on legacy technology, the promise of digital transformation can seem like a far-off dream. However, that’s not the case. Legacy modernization is key.

Organizations can often keep their legacy systems when they have been modernized in an optimal, risk adverse way—that means without interrupting business as usual, using an automated process, and keeping business outcomes in mind.

Deloitte’s Application Modernization Services combine fully automated offerings and proprietary tools with holistic knowledge of modernization, program management, and organizational change. We focus on core system improvements, rather than reinventing what already works, to help jump-start digital transformation and build a solid foundation for future innovation.

Reducing risk and minimizing interruption

Digital transformations can be broken down into smaller initiatives that provide the most benefit to the business. Doing so helps deliver quick results while reducing disruptive and costly downtime. Deloitte’s Application Modernization Services promote big picture thinking but in a risk-adverse, cost-effective way:

Legacy modernization at a desired pace.

Businesses can take the initial step by examining legacy code to understand its structure and complexity—and how to make future improvements. They can convert outdated code to a modern language and then migrate the application to a web-enabled platform. After migration, many will want to tackle the end goal of modernization: integration of essential digital technologies like cloud, mobile, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics. Deloitte can enter at any point in the legacy modernization journey.

No interruption to the business.

Deloitte’s Application Modernization Services incorporates both IT and business realities into the process. When a legacy modernization project is underway, rest assured there is no “code freeze” or operational downtime. It’s business as usual during development for the greater organization.

Automated process.

The process of updating old code can be a monumental procedure, involving millions of lines across multiple platforms. Deloitte stands apart by offering fully automated refactoring, using proprietary innoWake modernization tools to achieve fully automated migration. After migration, the new codebase and interface remains similar to that of the legacy system, reducing the need for IT and end-user training.

An effective route to enterprise application modernization

No matter where an organization is on the path to legacy modernization, Deloitte can help companies chart a roadmap based on their priorities and business objectives. Our Application Modernization Services include:  

Code Discovery: Explores legacy code and supporting technologies to sharpen visibility into the structure of the code and its dependencies. This diagnostic tool can help companies prepare for legacy modernization by examining the code structure and identifying potential vulnerabilities before a project begins. 

Code Mining: Uses advanced analysis and code-abstraction capabilities to deliver deep understanding of business functions executed by the code. This knowledge helps companies create an informed roadmap for an incremental legacy modernization project.

Legacy DevOps: Employs a proprietary tool set that allows developers to operate in a modern DevOps environment on the legacy mainframe or after modernization. This capability enables developers to work in the modern environment and become familiar with the new system as it is implemented.

Core Transformation: Executes Deloitte’s proprietary innoWake tool suite to achieve fully automated refactoring of legacy code into modern languages with complete accuracy. Such refactoring preserves the functionality and interfaces of the existing application, while opening the door to new digital technologies. It also reduces the chance of human error.

Modernization: Extends the capabilities of the current system to enable adoption of digital technologies like cloud, mobile, AI, microservices, and advanced data analytics. Companies can take advantage of new technologies and implement modern applications that can create operational efficiencies and enhance business functionality, moving toward a truly digital ecosystem.