FeatureReliance on outdated systems may enslave businesses, stifle digital innovation, and compound technical debt over time. Its age does not always define a legacy system; it might be that it is no longer supported or that it is no longer capable of serving the demands of a company or organisation.
Due to its architecture, underlying technology, or design, such software might be challenging to maintain, support, upgrade, or integrate with new systems.
Challenges in migrating from legacy to low-code platform
#1 Tomorrow’s legacy is created by a lack of flexibility
Legacy migrations need the creation of a flexible system that can adjust to changes. The last thing IT wants is for the new system to become a legacy system in the future. Low-code platforms enable companies to use a contemporary app architecture that leverages microservices to improve agility.
Look for a platform that makes it simple to create self-contained applications and services that can be integrated and shared, as well as one that allows for quick, frequent change cycles so the system can adapt to changing business demands. To avoid building an unmaintainable set of applications or heaps of machine-generated code, it is important to choose a future-proof framework.
#2 Applications that are mission-critical fail to deliver at scale
Many fundamental legacy systems are unable to grow and offer the needed performance. Look for a low-code platform that can guarantee the new solution’s robustness and high availability for mission-critical applications.
Look for a low-code that includes automated testing, quality assurance, performance monitoring
Automatic failover for continuous operation of business-critical applications is enabled by a low-code platform with a cloud-native design, guaranteeing that they do not have the same performance difficulties as legacy systems.
#3 Inadequate quality assurance
Because most legacy transfer solutions are large and complicated, there is typically insufficient monitoring of the app’s quality. To avoid technological debt and enhance long-term maintainability, it is critical to be able to proactively monitor and resolve application quality.
Two teams will work together to ensure the old system does not break while the new environment is being built
Look for a low-code platform that includes automated testing, quality assurance, and performance monitoring as part of the development process.
#4 Usability is a last-minute consideration
Usability is frequently an afterthought with this sort of application, lowering ROI. When developing the new solution, employ low-code development to take a user-centric, design-thinking strategy.
A better knowledge of the users and the business context may assist remove process gaps in the legacy system, resulting in an end-to-end solution that boosts productivity significantly.
How to migrate from legacy system to low-code platform
Start by moving basic non-business essential applications and work your way up to more sophisticated applications while migrating your legacy systems. It gives you valuable experience, which you can use for more important projects to reduce the chances of costly mistakes.
It is also a good idea to start moving sections of your program that do not satisfy your end users’ business requirements. It will allow you to show a quick return on investment and will most likely result in management buy-in, allowing you to proceed on your migration route.
Start by moving basic non-business applications and work your way up to more sophisticated applications
Migrating your system to a low-code platform in stages is the best approach to break your legacy applications monolith. The idea of bimodal IT is another important paradigm to consider while migrating your legacy system.
The concept of bimodal IT is simple, you divide your software development team into two groups. The old application environment, your legacy system will be maintained by one team, while the new software system will be developed by the other.
The concept of bimodal IT is simple, divide your software development team into two groups
In a step-by-step migration, the two teams will work closely together to ensure that the old system does not break while the new environment is being built.
Benefits of low-code platforms
Many organisations want to take advantage of the latest technology while migrating legacy systems, but sometimes neglect those that can disrupt current systems and services. Low-code platforms allow you to keep your legacy system alive for a bit longer by making its functionality available to many other systems.
While your core system may be what you wish to maintain, a low-code platform allows you to develop add-ons or new applications on top of it. Consider developing an Android and iOS mobile application on top of your existing CRM system.
Low-code platforms allow you to keep your legacy system alive for a bit longer by making its functionality available
The reusability of the existing data model is another major benefit of moving to a low-code platform. You may simply utilise the data model that is already in place. This allows for a seamless transition since you may begin designing a new user interface while still using the same data model.
When migrating legacy systems, businesses must create a solution that is both flexible and adaptable to future needs. IT staff do not want the new system to become a relic in the future. The good news is that moving your legacy system to a low-code platform will ensure a smooth transition.
Legacy systems will be maintained by one team, while the new software system will be developed by the other
Since legacy systems face several problems there is a clear need to migrate them to modernised settings intended for the future. Low-code platforms efficiently transform the way by which you build software. Furthermore, because low-code platforms provide easy-to-use tools, citizen developers may participate in the migration process.
Overall, using a customer-focused, and test-and-learn strategy, low code helps you provide better solutions to your users. As with any digital transformation, it is a great idea to consider all of the choices, along with their advantages and drawbacks.
Why are legacy systems challenging
- Outdated or unsupported pieces of equipment and facilities
- talent pool needed to keep applications running is dwindling
- system is incapable of supporting evolving business processes
- System may have grown unstable or may have performance difficulties due to years of ad-hoc adjustment
- Security, patching, and compliance with new rules and regulations
Since legacy systems face problems there is a need to migrate them to modernised settings using tools that citizen developers can use to participate.
