Many of your enterprise operations likely rely on legacy browser-based web applications. While they have served your organization well through the years, legacy browser application modernization is essential for security, function and usability.
When these applications were developed, they were designed to run on legacy browser architectures. As technology continues to evolve, there is a rising need for enterprises to modernize their legacy applications. But how do we balance the need to preserve the functionality of these mission-critical applications while adapting them to contemporary requirements? This post dives into best practices for preserving and modernizing legacy browser-based applications.
Most legacy browser-based applications are not compatible with modern browsers. Primarily, these are infrastructural challenges, but new web technologies can also complicate application performance, and more importantly, system security. This is where modernization, including legacy browser application modernization best practices, comes in.
Modernization means upgrading a software system or a software application to improve functionality, efficiency, and overall performance. It serves as the key to bridging the gap between outdated technology and contemporary digital needs, while still being able to exploit the underlying business logic that legacy applications afford.
Among the most common types of legacy browser-based applications that need modernization are those heavily reliant on older technologies. These include ActiveX controls, Java applets, or Silverlight. As an example, Java dependent applications running on Internet Explorer will not operate via modern browsers.
One of the biggest debates in application modernization is rewriting legacy applications versus maintaining backward compatibility. Rewriting a mission-critical legacy application is often considered a solution for applications that are too rooted in old architecture to adapt to modern processes. However, rewriting can be a long, expensive process, and there is always a risk of losing critical business processes.
Meanwhile, maintaining backward compatibility is a quicker, less risky approach for ensuring legacy applications can function on a newer system.
Consider business value, risk, cost, and skills when choosing between rewriting or maintaining legacy apps.
Successful preservation and modernization of legacy browser-based applications rest on several best practices:
Preserving and modernizing legacy applications require careful strategic thought and planning. With the right approach, you can modernize legacy apps to meet your business needs.
