“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the old saying goes — which tells you that whoever said that clearly never had to deal with legacy software systems. Even if your legacy software seems to be performing just fine, you should seriously consider replacing it with modern web apps before it’s too late.
Some benefits of modern web applications compared to legacy software are improved speed and flexibility, enhanced compatibility and software integration, and higher cost-effectiveness.
That said, modern web apps span an incredibly wide array of new technologies. They range from cloud-based computing and microservice architecture to single-page applications and more. Whether any of these would make a good fit for your specific needs depends on the nature of your business, your existing IT infrastructure, and many other factors.
Speed and Flexibility
Let’s take cloud computing, for example. Unlike traditional on-premise servers, cloud-based technologies offer virtually unlimited bandwidth and storage space. That allows you to scale up your business in real-time without having to buy and install equipment on-site. Furthermore, cloud services support flexible work arrangements by making it possible for your employees to access data and applications remotely.
Similarly, microservices outperform monolith architecture by breaking down applications into smaller independent components. These are much faster to develop, test, and modify, as the team assigned to a given microservice does not have to wait for the other developers to finish theirs before starting work.
Speed is essential not only for developers but for website visitors too. Back in 2007, Amazon found that for every 100-millisecond increase in its page load time, sales would drop by one percent. Here is where single-page applications come in. They load most DOM elements and resources once per application cycle and only update the required dynamic content. This way, they improve your website’s speed and reduce user waiting time.
Compatibility and Software Integration
As newer and newer technologies enter the market each day, software providers eventually stop supporting older versions. The result? Legacy systems are increasingly incompatible with upgrades and modern web applications. What’s more, they are more prone to bugs and at a higher risk of cyberattacks.
Modern web apps also allow you to streamline and optimize your software integration. As the process takes place automatically in the cloud, you would no longer have to integrate all your applications manually.
Cost-Effectiveness
Modern technologies are specially designed with easier, faster, and cheaper maintenance in mind. In contrast, legacy software typically comes with code that is longer and heavier. That requires a much more substantial investment in terms of both time and manpower on the part of your development team.
You should also consider the fact that the older your system is, the more difficult — and more expensive — it will be to hire engineers who would be both able and willing to take on the task.
Should You Replace Your Legacy Systems with Modern Web Apps?
While there are many advantages to modern web development, not all new technologies will be suitable for your business. If you are considering replacing legacy systems, we highly recommend that you contact us for an expert consultation with our team. We will ensure that you get the best return on investment by modernizing your systems the right way.
Want to Dive Deeper into Modern Web Development Trends?
Here are some articles you might enjoy:
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4 Tips for Modern Software Development
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Advantages of Single-Page Applications
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Harnessing the Power of Microservices with the ELK Stack
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.NET: Prepare Your Company for the Future
And to learn more about the disadvantages of legacy systems and how they stack up against modern web apps, check out this post.
