People have been talking about the need to modernize legacy IT systems for many years now, to the point where some wonder if it’s still necessary. After all, almost every application and website we use is now written in modern languages, so how much needs to be modernized? Yet recent data shows that, of the $100 billion the federal government spends annually on IT, 80% goes toward operating and maintaining existing systems. Not only are these archaic legacy systems costing a great deal of money to maintain, but they are often inadequate to support vital missions like wartime readiness or the operation of critical infrastructure.
Modernizing these systems is crucial for agencies to improve operations, meet compliance requirements, and support the public effectively. However, the process can be complex and costly if not approached with a clear strategy. In this article, we will outline a practical roadmap to modernizing legacy systems in government settings, highlighting best practices and key considerations for modernizing outdated systems while minimizing risk and disruption.
The first step in modernizing any legacy system is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the existing infrastructure. You must thoroughly evaluate system performance and stability, identifying areas where the legacy system is struggling to meet current performance demands or is prone to frequent outages. Also important is evaluating current maintenance costs, including technical debt, support, and licensing fees. Depending on the specifics of your systems, you might also need to consider any recent regulatory requirements, along with whether your systems have adequate cybersecurity measures in place. Once you’ve conducted a thorough assessment, you can determine which components need immediate attention and set realistic modernization goals.
Once you know what changes need to be made, you must select the right modernization approach. There are several approaches to modernizing legacy systems, and the right choice will depend on the system’s current state, agency requirements, and available resources. The main options include:
- Rehosting (Lift and Shift): Moving existing applications to a cloud environment without major changes.
- Refactoring: Restructuring and optimizing the existing code, making code-level changes to improve the system’s compatibility with modern platforms while retaining core functionality.
- Rearchitecting: Materially alter the code to take advantage of modern technologies, such as microservices, containerization, or serverless computing.
- Replacing: Replacing the legacy system with a new commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution or custom-built system.
After choosing your approach, you must develop a strategic modernization plan. Modernizing an entire system at once can be risky and may lead to significant downtime, so a phased approach is often best. One option is to launch a pilot project that modernizes smaller and less critical system components before moving into more vital systems. Another option is to go with modular updates, breaking the modernization process into manageable modules that can be updated independently. There is also the choice to keep the legacy system running in parallel with the modernized solution during the transition period, ensuring continuity of service while providing a fallback option if unexpected issues arise.
When building your modernization plan, consider what practices and methodologies will be necessary for the best results. Modernization projects can benefit greatly from adopting Agile and DevOps methodologies, accelerating development cycles while more effectively identifying issues early in the development process. Cybersecurity must also be a top priority during the modernization process, as legacy systems are often vulnerable to attacks. Regardless of which modernization approach you go with, you should embed security practices throughout the software development lifecycle, including code reviews, automated security testing, and vulnerability scanning. Zero trust architecture is also a smart option for reducing internal and external risk factors.
Something else to remember when selecting a modernization strategy is that the right option depends highly on your department’s specifics. For instance, migrations from On-Prem to the Cloud are all the rage at every government agency establishing its IT Modernization initiatives, but each agency is unique based on the goals it is trying to achieve. However, web applications in government agencies are monolithic, and finding the best way to handle code handed from one contractor to another every 5 years causes outdated software and tools that must be sustained and take iteration to get it modernized to the latest platform.
As a result, contractors may find themselves attempting to force-fit solutions that may not align with the agency’s objectives. To avoid situations like this, agencies should consider making their software requirements tech-agnostic. Tech agnosticism is an approach that enables organizations to break free from proprietary technology, programming languages, or specific certifications. As such, rather than manipulating solutions to fit an existing tech stack, organizations can adapt the tech stack to deliver the necessary solutions.
There are many reasons for government agencies to make their software requirements tech-agnostic: it allows organizations to make the most of their existing resources, without becoming confined to a particular technology stack. This ensures the smooth integration of various components without extensive retooling or redevelopment, promoting interoperability. It also allows for a higher degree of adaptability and innovation potential, while encouraging a more diverse talent pool.
Even when you have everything in place for your modernization strategy, remember that modernizing a legacy system is not a one-time effort, but a continuous journey. Agencies should plan for ongoing maintenance to keep the system up-to-date and secure, regularly tracking performance to identify areas for further improvement. Collecting and analyzing key metrics like system uptime, user satisfaction, and cost savings can provide valuable insights that can guide future IT modernization efforts.
Modernizing legacy systems is a complex but crucial endeavor for federal agencies. With a well-defined roadmap, agencies can effectively navigate the challenges of transforming outdated infrastructure into modern, secure, and efficient solutions. Avyanna Technologies has extensive experience helping government clients achieve successful IT modernization through strategic consulting, Agile methodologies, and cutting-edge technology solutions. By partnering with us, agencies can ensure a smooth and impactful transformation that meets their mission-critical needs.
For more information on how Avyanna Technologies can help your agency modernize its legacy systems, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/7-options-to-modernize-legacy-systems
OpenAI. (2024). Image generated by ChatGPT using DALL·E. Retrieved from ChatGPT.
