When modernizing applications, each organization faces unique challenges. There is no universal solution as needs, goals, and complexity vary significantly. Therefore, modernization strategies must be tailored to each organization's specific situation to achieve the best results.
This is where the five modern "R's" come in. Each approach has its own advantages and challenges, and it's about identifying the approach that best fits your organization's needs and goals.
Five Possible Approaches to Application Modernization
Rehost
Rehosting is the simplest approach to modernization, involving the movement of an existing application to a new, often more modern operating platform. This may entail transitioning from on-premises servers to public cloud services. The critical aspect is that the application code itself remains unchanged. Rehosting the application to the public cloud sets the foundation for beginning to utilize cloud services but does not modernize the application
Replatform
If you wish to take a step further in modernization, you can opt for the Replatform approach. Here, you make a few modifications to the application code to adapt it for use in public cloud services, typically PaaS services. These modifications are often limited and do not significantly impact the technical quality of the application.
Rebuild
If both the application architecture and codebase are outdated, and you want to renew the user interface and user experience, the Rebuild approach is the solution. Here, you discard the old code and build a new application from scratch that meets current and future business needs.
Replace
If you want to avoid complex modernization projects, the Replace approach may be the right solution. It involves choosing a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution from the market, where you no longer need to worry about application operation, maintenance, and the underlying infrastructure. It's important to note that this approach may require the organization to adapt its business practices to the standard functionalities offered by the SaaS solution.
Choosing the right approach for modernization is crucial for the organization's success. Consider the specific needs, goals, and resources of the business, and carefully evaluate the various options before embarking on your modernization journey.