How Can Legacy Applications Benefit From Refactoring & Re-Architecting

Redundant infrastructures such as aging servers or unreliable firewall appliances are increasingly inefficient and financially draining. This is why so many organizations are exploring the possibility of moving onto the cloud. In this article, we will understand why modernization is important and how it helps business hyperscale efficiently. 

Cloud Modernization is a multi-step process wherein existing on-premises applications, infrastructure and data sources are transformed into a cloud based environment.

Moving an on-premises application onto cloud may look tempting at first-but it requires a lot of planning and preparation. Although cloud has the potential to transform the scope, and efficiency of how you deliver value to your clients, it might not work correctly once it’s implemented.

For businesses’ that wish to migrate to the cloud, it can have a massive impact. 

This includes reduction in total cost of ownership, faster delivery, and better opportunities for innovation. With its access comes agility and flexibility, both of which are important in meeting the current market demands.

For businesses who have adopted cloud modernization, they’re accelerating at a blazing speed. And for others who are still wondering, ‘why did we wait’, here’s your answer.

Some of the benefits of cloud modernization includes:

• Improved agility and flexibility
• Reduction in unnecessary costs
• Better management of client’s expectations
• Simplifying IT requirements
• Improved performance
• Contribution towards a sustainable environment

There are several cloud modernization strategies that organizations use for successful cloud adoption. However its implementation is based on what services a business actually needs.

Rehosting: This involves moving an application’s components to the cloud with little or no modifications. In layman language this means lifting what you have in your current environment and shifting it to the cloud infrastructure.

This is often the quickest way to migrate, however not all legacy applications may find this the best approach for maximizing cloud benefits.

Relocating: In this approach, you move applications from one on-premises location to the cloud (basic lift & shift) without major changes. For instance, after you relocate a database to the cloud, you might migrate from a hosted virtual machine (VM) to a managed database service. This provides some benefits of cloud-centered capabilities without extensive initial refactoring.

Replatforming: Move an application from its current platform to a new, cloud-based platform, reducing the number of enterprise supported platforms to reduce unwanted operational expenses.

Refactoring: This involves restructuring an existing application to accommodate new scaling abilities, enhance security needs, and make it cloud-compatible. The process includes  .Net, Java, and other upgrades.

Rearchitecting: Re-architecting involves the complete redesigning of an existing application or system to be cloud-native. This process includes developing new code, adjusting the current database, or a blend of both. Since it is a near-complete rewrite of an application, it is usually the lengthiest and most expensive option.

Containerization: Ideal for simple applications, containerization packages an application and its OS dependencies into a single unit. This allows the application to run seamlessly across different computing environments. 

Serverless computing: This is a cloud-based model for building and running applications without managing servers,  on an as-used basis. It is used for simple applications, such as load balancing, monitoring, and logging, so developers can focus on application design and still benefit from cost-effective, efficient, and massively scalable server infrastructure.

Retaining: This involves holding off migration for some time, keeping applications or systems in their current environment specifically if they have undergone recent upgrades. 

 Retiring: It’s a strategy used during cloud migration, wherein organizations decommission outdated assets in order to focus their resources and efforts on what matters most.

Repurchasing: In repurchasing, organizations move from a traditional virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to a fully managed cloud-based VDI, achieving better scalability, performance, and reduced maintenance overhead.

How Does Cloud Migration Process Work?

Every business has a different cloud migration journey, but with AWS it is streamlined into three broad phases. Each phase provides a high-level framework to adapt and customize as per specific requirements.

Assess : Cloud migrations begin by analysing one’s current IT portfolio, including workloads, data, and applications. During the  assessment phase

• It is important to identify business goals and objectives for the migration.
• Understand the technical requirements and constraints of applications and data.
• Estimate expenditure and savings from the migration.
• Prioritize which applications and data should be migrated first.

The assessment phase is crucial for every business, because it enables organizations to understand the current state and create a vision for the future state of their chosen cloud platform.

Mobilize : The mobilization phase is about putting the necessary resources, tools, and processes in place to carry out cloud migrations effectively and efficiently. 
In the phase, organizations need to take these steps:

• Building a core cloud team that includes roles such as cloud architects and cloud developers.
• Develop a detailed migration plan that includes key deliverables, milestones, and timelines.
• Set up the cloud environment and ensure its correct and secure configurations.
• Begin migrating pilot applications.

Migrate and Modernize : Applications, data, and workload migrations take place in this phase. In the phase, organizations need to take these steps:

• Use the lessons learnt from previous pilot migrations to migrate applications and workloads at scale.
• Take advantage of cloud-centered features and services by optimizing the architecture of applications.
• Monitor the performance, and adjust the cost of the new cloud environment accordingly.

At this stage of cloud transformation, continuous improvement is key. After migration, optimizing and innovating will help you maximize the value of the cloud.

What Are The Challenges in Cloud Migration?

Without proper planning cloud migrations can become a tiresome journey. Here are some of the challenges one may find during their migration process.

Complex architecture : Aligning your cloud strategy with your overall IT plan can be challenging, especially if your current IT setup is complicated. This can make it harder to create and implement a smooth cloud migration plan.

To avoid complexities, organizations should create a clear, realistic cloud strategy that works well with their  existing IT systems. This helps prevent compatibility issues and ensures everything runs smoothly together.

Migration cost challenge : Calculating cloud migration costs can be one of the most challenging aspects of migration. Organizations often underestimate expenses incurred during data migration, including costs like new network connectivity. Considering this challenge, it is advisable to plan cloud costs in advance and be sure to factor in current costs associated with moving the workloads and the expense of running them in the cloud.

Compliance risks : Anything that requires movement from one platform to another, does involve risk factors, and the same applies to cloud as well. 

To address this risk, it is important to choose a cloud service provider with robust security features and a demonstrated history of platform security.Additionally, it is important to check  that cloud providers have the compliance practices and policies in place to comply with relevant security requirements.

Cloud Migration	Cloud Modernization
Moving existing applications and infrastructure to the cloud Lifts & Shifts existing architecture Simpler & faster to implement Faster cloud adoption & improved cost savings	Transforming applications and infrastructure to leverage cloud-native capabilities Re-architects applications for cloud-native environments Usually time taking & more complex Improved agility & scalability

Why Refactoring in Cloud Matters?

In simple terms, ‘cloud refactoring’ involves the restructuring of an existing application to make it cloud-ready. This migration type differs from “lift and shift,” which happens in the cloud migration process.

In short, cloud refactoring involves these actions:

• Redesign or optimize code
• Enhance security and data privacy
• Change the architecture to accommodate new scaling abilities
• Replatform the application to make it cloud compatible

Benefits of Refactoring for Cloud Migration

Refactoring allows businesses to reap plenty of numerous benefits during the cloud migration journey. Here are some of the reasons why companies should embrace it:

• Improved longevity: The process involves simplifying the code, making it easier to work with future updates, and assists in saving legacy software.
• Improved application performance and scalability: By restructuring code, businesses can significantly improve an application’s performance and scalability.
• Enhanced security and compliance: Businesses can ensure their applications comply with all data privacy regulations and remain secure on the cloud.
• Improved user experience: Redesigning an application with refactoring can provide a better user experience and help it stay competitive.

Challenges of Refactoring in Cloud Migration

There is a saying, that a coin has two sides, and though refactoring has numerous advantages, it also has certain caveats. 

• Time-consuming process: Refactoring is a challenging task and can add to the total migration cost.
• Lack of expertise: Lack of the right IT skill set such as writing, editing, and troubleshooting code can be a major blocker in delivering tasks on time.
• Technical risk: If errors are introduced during refactoring, applications could become unstable or unreliable.
• Potential for vendor lock-in: Refactoring can create dependencies on certain cloud vendors for specific features, making it difficult to switch to a better company in the future.

What is Legacy Application Re-Architecting?

Re-architecting is not about rebuilding from scratch. In IT terms, it refers to redesigning the architecture of an application based on more modern computing concepts. This means that invaluable business logic and data relevant to the organization lie within the application code and surrounding artifacts (such as DDLs, copybooks, and user training manuals.

Re-architecting is sometimes confused with refactoring, hence it is important to understand that Re-architecting focuses on capturing the value of the business process. And,  as organizations continue embracing streamlined development cycles, lower maintenance expenses, and improved performance, re-architecting has become important.

Can Your Legacy Application Benefit from Re-Architecting?

From improved efficiency to enhanced security there are multiple benefits that organizations reap from re-architecturing. Let’s deep dive to find out more.

• Cost efficient: Businesses sticking to legacy systems, such as outdated technologies, complex code structures, and the need for constant troubleshooting often incur higher expenses.Adopting newer, more efficient technologies that require less attention can cut down time and unnecessary costs. With cloud solutions providers like AWS or Azure offering a pay-as-you-go pricing model, it prevents overspending on services that are not in use or are duplicated.
• Better scalability: Performance issues, slower response times, system failures during peak times, and lack of scalability can all be addressed by re-architecting in the cloud. If your organization’s performance depends on its effectiveness, re-architecting to the cloud makes sense. Your application will adjust to the number of users, and you can avoid unwanted expenses.
• Improved security: Legacy applications may carry vulnerabilities that malicious actors tend to exploit. Re-architecting is a proactive approach to cybersecurity, creating a safety net to mitigate risks, build user trust, and safeguard sensitive information.

Businesses need to keep up with the ever-evolving IT landscape.

 Bell Blaze Technologies is your trusted partner, ensuring your platform remains adaptable while seamlessly integrating with new technologies like AI and machine learning. For more information, contact our experts now.