How Replatforming Works: From Legacy to Modern Systems

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How Replatforming Works: From Legacy to Modern Systems?

Replatforming refers to the process of transferring an application or system from one platform to another. This could involve moving to the cloud, a different physical data center, or an upgraded platform version. The process focuses on migrating applications or systems with minimal changes to their core architecture.

The main goal of replatforming is to modernize infrastructure while enhancing performance, scalability, security, and efficiency. This process can also incorporate new functionalities that leverage the features of the new platform without altering the application's core functions. For example, an application moved from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud might gain cloud-native features.

Replatforming is often chosen when organizations transition from on-premises systems to cloud platforms. It allows them to retain familiar workflows while adopting modern technology. This strategy is widely used in industries such as e-commerce, financial services, and healthcare to modernize legacy systems and adopt innovative technologies.

How Replatforming Works?

Replatforming typically involves upgrading components like servers, databases, middleware, and websites from their current infrastructure to a new one. Existing code is transferred to the new platform with minimal changes to essential functions. The process generally follows these steps:

1. Assess Needs: Evaluate business goals and determine why replatforming is required. Select the most suitable platform and migration tools.

2. Design Architecture: Plan the architecture, incorporating any new features supported by the chosen platform.

3. Adjust Code: Modify the application’s code to ensure compatibility with the new platform.

4. Migrate Data: Transfer all data to the new infrastructure.

5. Test: Validate the functionality of the application or system in the new environment.

6. Deploy: Fully implement the application or system and monitor performance over time.

Replatforming vs. Rehosting vs. Refactoring

• Rehosting: Involves migrating applications without making any changes to their structure or functionality.

• Replatforming: Includes minor optimizations to better align the application with the new platform.

• Refactoring: Entails rewriting the application’s codebase to optimize its design, scalability, and maintainability for the new platform.

Each approach has its own benefits and challenges. Rehosting is the quickest method, replatforming strikes a balance between speed and optimization, while refactoring offers the most comprehensive improvements but requires the most time and resources.

Benefits of Replatforming

Replatforming offers several advantages, including:

• Cost Savings: Upgrading to more efficient systems reduces long-term operational costs and boosts return on investment (ROI).

• Improved Performance: Modern platforms deliver enhanced processing power and responsiveness.

• Better Security: Advanced platforms come with robust security features.

• Quick Deployment: Compared to refactoring, replatforming is faster while still providing significant optimizations.

• High Availability: Cloud-based platforms ensure reliability and reduce downtime.

• Enhanced User Experience: Modern platforms improve usability with updated interfaces.

• Seamless Integration: Replatforming enables better integration with modern technologies and services.

Challenges of Replatforming

Despite its benefits, replatforming also poses challenges, such as:

• Upfront Costs: Initial investments in platforms, training, and migration can be substantial.

• Complexity: Migrating legacy systems requires careful planning and execution.

• Compatibility Issues: Ensuring legacy systems work seamlessly with new platforms can be challenging.

• Limited Benefits: Retaining core architecture may prevent full utilization of the new platform’s features.

• Vendor Lock-in: Moving to proprietary platforms might reduce flexibility in the future.

Real-World Examples of Replatforming

Several organizations have successfully implemented replatforming strategies, including:

• Airbnb: In 2024, Airbnb migrated its main application to AWS to enhance scalability and performance.

• Nike: In 2017, Nike transitioned its e-commerce platform to Salesforce Commerce Cloud to manage peak traffic better.

• Capital One: In 2015, Capital One moved its core systems to AWS to modernize infrastructure and improve efficiency.

• Adobe: Adobe shifted its Creative Suite to a subscription-based cloud platform, Adobe Creative Cloud, in 2013.

• FedEx: In the late 2010s, FedEx migrated its logistics management systems to a cloud platform to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Replatforming is an effective strategy for modernizing systems while retaining core functionalities, enabling businesses to stay competitive in a technology-driven world.

Thank you for joining us in this edition of the DataMigration.AI Newsletter! We’re excited to continue sharing how Generative AI is transforming data migration, making it smarter, faster, and more resilient. Our commitment to combining expert support, innovative technology, and customized solutions ensures that your data migration journey is smooth and aligned with your business goals.

As we move forward, expect more insights into our evolving methodologies, success stories, and best practices. At DataMigration.AI, we’re here to empower your organization to unlock the true value of your data with confidence and precision. Stay tuned for our next issue as we continue redefining what’s possible in data migration, ensuring your projects are not only successful today but also future-ready.

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