Map Data Dependencies and Where Data Will Reside
The next critical step is to map dependencies before beginning the actual modernization.
“Even a minor change to the functionality of a core system can have major downstream effects, and failing to account for any dependencies on legacy apps slated for modernization can lead to system outages and business interruptions,” Hitachi Solutions notes in a post.
Taking this step is a smart way to “prevent potential disruption and ensure a smooth transition for end users,” Hitachi states.
IT leaders also need to make sure that no data is lost when migrating legacy applications to new platforms. The same is true if teams are working to rewrite or transform the applications.
“To prevent data loss when migrating applications from on-premises environments to cloud platforms, institutions should create checklists that detail how data needs to be migrated, how that data should be presented once it’s in the cloud and what testing needs to be done to ensure data accuracy,” Hitachi notes.
DIVE DEEPER: What is a Strategic Application Modernization Assessment?
Choosing a Modernization Approach for Your Healthcare Organization
At this point, healthcare IT leaders should decide which application modernization technique works best to upgrade their legacy software.
1. Rehost
Also known as a “lift and shift,” rehosting allows the IT team to move applications from on-premises environments to the cloud with minimal changes. This quick migration is affordable and allows businesses to keep the core architecture of any app intact.
2. Refactor
With this option, IT staff can rewrite portions of the application’s code to optimize apps for cloud environments. This can improve overall performance in the cloud and make it easier to maintain.
3. Rebuild
If the software requires an overhaul, IT may opt to rewrite the application from scratch while maintaining its original scope and specifications.
4. Replatform
With this option, an application is moved to the public cloud, but it is first overhauled to make it more like a cloud-native app, often via containerization.
5. Retain
During a modernization effort, IT leaders may decide to leave some applications alone, especially those used by relatively few people.
6. Retire
In some cases, IT leaders may decide that an application is no longer necessary and should be retired. This would involve disposing of software responsibly and stopping its renewal cycle.
7. Replace
If it’s too hard to salvage old software, teams may opt to replace it entirely with new, commercial off-the-shelf products or a Software as a Service option. Often, the price of investing in a new tool is significantly cheaper than maintaining older software.
Each of these platform modernization approaches has distinct benefits, but all of them give legacy systems new computing functionality.
RELATED: How can application rationalization tools ease your journey to the cloud?
Solicit the Help of an Expert Technology Partner
Finally, no matter which route an organization decides to take when it comes to modernization, IT leaders should partner with a trusted third party to complete the work. Tech experts can help create roadmaps that are tailored to the organization’s business objectives and financial and technical capabilities.
“Organizations may find it helpful to work with a trusted third-party adviser when conducting assessments, especially if they have limited technical resources,” Peters says. “Having an outsider’s point of view can also help appropriately rank and prioritize applications.”
Phil Goldstein
https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2024/06/ultimate-roadmap-modernizing-legacy-applications-healthcare
