Digital Transformation Without the Buzzwords: Real Strategies for Modernising Legacy Systems

In the tech and business world, "digital transformation" sounds fancy but can often leave us scratching our heads. What it really comes down to is making old systems new. It's not just about sticking the latest tech onto old setups. It's about rethinking how we use tech to make our businesses run better.

The challenge is big. Old, clunky systems can slow us down, making it hard to keep up with new ideas and changes. So, how do we update without just following the latest trends?

What Are Old Systems Anyway?

Old systems are the outdated tech we keep using not because it's the best out there, but because it's what we've always used. These systems can make it tough to try new things or move quickly because they're so woven into how we do our jobs.

Ways to Make Old Systems New

Deloitte talks about a few ways to tackle this, like moving to a new platform, moving your old system to work on modern tech, redesigning it, or just starting from scratch. Each way has its ups and downs in terms of cost, risk, and how much it might shake up your business. The best path depends on your particular old system and what your business wants to achieve.

Martin Fowler talks about cleaning up and improving the old code without messing with how it works on the outside. This can make the system easier to work with, faster to update, and more reliable, setting the stage for bigger changes later.

Step-by-Step Updates with Cleaning Up Code and the Strangler Fig Pattern

A smart move I've used is the Strangler Fig Pattern, which Fowler also mentions. It lets you slowly replace an old system by adding new bits piece by piece and slowly getting rid of the old bits. This way, you don't risk too much all at once.

In real life, this might mean picking a part of the system that can stand on its own, making it new as a separate piece, and then slowly moving everything over to this new setup. Over time, these new pieces take over from the old system.

Why Breaking Things Up Is Good

Moving from one big system to lots of smaller, independent parts is a big trend in updating old systems. These smaller parts are easier to manage, can grow as needed, and you can work on them separately. Netflix is a great example of a company that's done this well, showing how it can lead to trying new things faster and more often.

Changing More Than Just Tech

But it's not all about the tech. Changing how people think and work together is just as important. It's about everyone being open to trying new things, learning, and not being afraid of change, not just the IT folks.

Lessons from the Trenches

Capgemini's studies show many stories of successful updates. What these stories often have in common is a clear plan, taking things step by step, and making sure it's not just about the tech but also about the people and how they work together.

Wrapping Up: Key Points for a Smooth Update

Updating old systems is tricky but doable with the right approach. It's more than just new tech; it's about changing how your business does things. Key moves include:

• Plan Well: Know what you're dealing with and what you want to achieve.
• Go Step by Step: Use smart methods like cleaning up code and the Strangler Fig to lower risks.
• Break Things Up: Consider moving to smaller, independent parts where it makes sense.
• Change the Culture: Get everyone on board with continuous learning and being open to new ways of doing things.

Updating isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. It takes careful thought, planning, and a readiness to adapt and learn. By focusing on practical steps and the importance of people and culture, businesses can navigate these changes better, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Further Reading

• Modernizing Legacy Applications For A Digital World by Deloitte
• Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code by Martin Fowler
• Microservices: a definition of this new architectural term by Martin Fowler
• Strangler Fig Pattern by Martin Fowler
• Digital Transformation Strategy by MIT Sloan Management Review
• Legacy System Modernization: How to Transform the Enterprise for Digital Future by Capgemini
• How to break a Monolith into Microservices by NGINX