Transitioning from an outdated legacy system to a new one can be overwhelming. It typically entails extensive planning and analysis and significant engineering efforts to transfer the data. However, with proper preparation and expertise, legacy system migrations can be approached without fear.

In this blog, we will show you managing legacy system migrations with nearshore outsourcing in the digital landscape, ensuring a seamless transition. Learn how to navigate this process with grace and efficiency, maximizing the potential for success by partnering with a company that trains your personnel to accomplish the job.

 

Problems Legacy Systems Bring to Businesses

A legacy system refers to the outdated software and technologies businesses use despite the numerous problems they cause. These problems include:

1. Security: When you rely on old, outdated technology, the chances are you are not getting any upgrade of your malware systems. This makes your business prone to cybersecurity problems and data breaches.
2. Expensive Maintenance: While some think upgrading your software is costly, the reality is far from that. By keeping an older system, you will likely waste more money without achieving the quality levels of new ones.
3. Inefficiency: One of the workers’ main concerns is the long load times of these systems, and since most of the manufacturers no longer release updates, there isn’t a way to address this issue.

What Is a Legacy System Migration?

A legacy system migration involves transferring data from an existing system to a new one to modernize it and improve its overall functionality and efficiency.

This migration can include switching from outdated operating systems that are still in use but can not ensure the implication of current standards. It is important to note that this type of migration does not necessarily mean completely replacing your system; rather, modernizing it.

 

Signs You Need a Legacy System Migration Expert

Regarding legacy systems, a few signs will tell you when your system needs to be migrated with the help of an expert in the matter. Here are some of them:

1. Lack of personnel trained in the development frameworks used.
   
   
2. Slow response time or long loading times.
   
   
3. Poor security and data protection measures.
   
   
4. Difficulty in accessing new technologies and content.
   
   
5. Outdated user interfaces and functionalities. 
   
   
6. Excessive hardware dependency.
   
   
7. Your system no longer has any support for it.
   
   
8. Your system is incompatible with modern systems.
   
   
9. Frequent system downtime and performance issues.
   
   
10. Licensing from vendor locks can be at a higher cost.
    
    
11. High maintenance costs and outdated infrastructure.
    
    
12. Falling behind competitors who have modernized their systems.
    
    

As previously mentioned, this type of migration does not always mean replacing your system entirely, but giving it a modern twist that improves the functionality and efficiency of your data needs. Having an expert by your side can be of great help to help you discover the best route for you. 

Our specialist at Novacomp can help you discover whether you need a full migration or a modernization of your current system. We work together with you to fulfill your data needs, and if necessary we can help you create a team of experts by working alongside them to help you with your data migration issues.

 

How to Handle Legacy System Migration

Legacy system migration can be complex and challenging, but with careful planning and execution, it is possible to navigate this journey successfully. Partnering with a company like Novacomp can help you develop staff that can handle this task effectively. 

Here are ten steps that your staff will handle when migrating your legacy system:

Conduct a SWOT Analysis

Start by thoroughly analyzing your current system’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This analysis will help you identify the areas that need improvement and guide your migration strategy.

Assess Your Existing Infrastructure

Assessing and comprehending your current infrastructure and legacy system is a crucial next step. To do this, you must thoroughly examine all the parts and the paperwork that go with them to comprehend how they work.

Analyze the inputs, outputs, and system reactions when dealing with a black-box system with hidden functionality. Reverse engineering can be used for white-box applications with transparent functioning to comprehend system operations and associated data efficiently.

Select and Plan Your Legacy System Migration Strategy 

When planning your legacy system migration, you can opt for any approach from the following:

• Lift and Shift: This technique transfers all data to the cloud. A software system can be completely migrated to its current state with little effort. However, it could result in resource waste and irrational operating costs.
• Application Evolution: This enables companies to gradually migrate portions of their legacy system to the cloud. However, the expenses for this strategy remain high as you choose the software components you want on the cloud infrastructure.
• Application-ReArchitecturing: This technique separates the software application into smaller, more scalable pieces. It does not imply that you are building a software system from scratch; rather, you revamp an existing codebase by adding agility and improving the business-related specifications.

Choose Software Components to be Migrated First

Prioritize the software components that need to be migrated first. Start with low-risk components and gradually move to more critical ones. This approach will allow you to test the migration process and minimize disruptions.

Prepare Your Cloud Infrastructure

As was said above, depending on your chosen migration approach, some applications only need to be lifted and moved, requiring little to no preparation. Others might require choosing which components to migrate first, rearchitecting, etc.

Evaluate Microservices

Various cloud service providers offer a wide range of cloud services. Choose services that are in line with your company’s objectives and fulfill your needs as a business. 

Your migration strategy will help you choose the best cloud service for your software system, considering the project’s requirements, scope, probable problems, etc. 

Back-Up

Before initiating the migration, back up your legacy system thoroughly. This step is crucial to protect your data and ensure a fallback option in case of any unforeseen issues during the migration process.

Run and Test Your Pilot Migration

Conduct a pilot migration to test the process and identify potential challenges or issues. This will allow you to fine-tune your migration strategy and make necessary adjustments before proceeding further.

Migrate Legacy System Incrementally

Rather than simultaneously attempting a complete system migration, consider migrating in incremental stages. This approach minimizes risks and allows for continuous testing and validation of the migrated components.

Manage Your New Cloud Infrastructure

Once the migration is complete, ensure proper management and monitoring of your new cloud infrastructure. This includes regular updates, security patches, performance optimization, and ongoing support.

Get the Most Out of Your System Migration With Us!

Migrating a legacy system is no easy task. But with the right strategy, tools and expert staff, you can ensure that your business takes full advantage of modern technology while minimizing disruption to operations. 

Outsourcing allows companies to focus on their core competencies while benefiting from the proficiency of experts well-versed in legacy system migrations. This will help you build the necessary team to effectively optimize the data migration process.

At Novacomp, we offer dedicated and highly skilled teams to design and implement innovative solutions. Our Nearshore outsourcing services can simplify the process. To optimize time and ensure a seamless transition to modern technologies, our staff augmentation services include nearshoring your IT Team and providing comprehensive training and compliance with agile methodologies. This guarantees a successful integration while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Contact us today to guide your company towards digital transformation!