Application Re-Engineering: Rehosting, Rewriting& Rebuilding

You developed a product platform in the 2000s that enabled your company to flourish. Its role increased as your business grew, and the scope of activities it was needed for grew as well. As a result, the framework became more complex. To remain competitive and keep up with innovation, it needs to be modernized almost twenty years later. Can you save your foundation's reputation without destroying its assets? Let's figure it out.

There are different options based on business objectives. Rehost, revamp, and remake are popular choices. The quickest and most reasonable way to resolve an old software issue is to rehost. If the framework is developed reliably, it could be applied. Otherwise, you'll need a more complicated choice or even a complete framework upgrade.

Here is an article to help you understand all the options and decide which one is best for your cycle. The first step is to explain what each of these terms means and how they might be used.

Difference Between Rehosting, Rewriting, and Rebuilding

At this turning point, we have three choices. Each leads to the same goal - a highly maintainable and ready-to-integrate new system. It's just that they got there differently. Each of these paths will present us with different challenges.

What is Rehosting?

Lift-and-shift, or rehosting, involves moving inherited applications to a new stage without making significant changes. Using present facilitation arrangements avoids costly support. This is the most crucial step in application remaking since engineers can reuse certain previous elements while upgrading the software.

• Virtual computers allow the rehosting of outdated programming frameworks. Given the high conversion rate and fast execution, moving legacy applications to virtual machines is cost-effective.
• No training is needed because the workplace is unchanged. Rehost legacy software on virtual servers can save money on programming upkeep and provide firms time to plan framework enhancements.
• Your data may need on-premises hosting for unforeseen reasons. Upgrade your old centralized PCs to newer hardware. This can identify poor performance and expensive support without altering employees' jobs.
• If the framework is current, this approach will work. New equipment increases project costs.

What is Rewriting?

Rewriting legacy software code involves starting from scratch.

Rewrite the legacy application with modern software requires the development team first to understand the logic of the current application. This makes it significantly more complex than just rehosting it. As a result, accurate business process analysis is necessary and calls for engaged client involvement.

Determining the architecture of an application that already exists takes time and effort. However, deciphering the contents of a legacy application—which frequently changes for years without documentation- is far more complex. Because of this, we frequently come across a complex piece of software and need to be made aware of the potential repercussions of changing it.

What is Rebuilding?

Rebuilding the app's components to enhance the current solution is known as legacy software rebuilds.

The first thing you need to do is evaluate how much work your application can do compared to what you need to do now and in the future. This gap will determine if a full or partial rebuild is required.

Even though it requires substantial initial expenditure, it may be profitable to rebuild software system from the bottom up. By completely rewriting the system, you may adjust it to the updated specifications. This will result in significant enhancements and reaping the rewards of developing bespoke software.

You may reduce the project budget by partly rebuilding the historical system components if the majority are still functional. In this instance, a development team incorporates updated elements into the most valued ones. Just as when you repair damaged auto components, you wouldn't replace the whole vehicle if all you needed was to replace the gearbox, would you?

When to Rehost Software?

When moving an application to an open system, make sure it is well-built and needs a new hosting provider. Code consistency and rigorous app architecture are essential for modernization. Throughout construction, quality should be considered. Unless the system is renewed, it will take longer and cost more to do so.

When to Rebuild Software?

If your company has evolved and your system no longer meets its needs, rebuilding is the ideal solution. It significantly improves data processing and system design. Redesigned software helps corporations achieve their goals.

When to Rewrite Software?

Is it necessary to rewrite the legacy application with latest software? Building the outdated program with contemporary technologies may be worthwhile if the goal is to eliminate jumbled code and make the system more flexible. Using the latest software to rewrite outdated apps improves their technical side and makes them future-proof so that you can add and upgrade features easily.

While this method is cheaper and more versatile than rebuilding, it may have unexpected consequences.

Rebuild Your Software with CodeSuite

Application Re-engineering may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Maintenance costs, system obsolescence, and compliance issues are a few of the most common. You can modernize your existing software in several ways, depending on your situation. However, they all lead to a single destination. 

It should begin working correctly, acquire all the necessary functions, and meet your business objectives. The road to improvement is filled with numerous challenges. Hiring the right dedicated team to find a perfect solution is the biggest challenge.

Our CodeSuite team has sufficient experience modernizing various systems, having completed over fifty projects. Please feel free to ask any questions, whether you need to rebuild custom software or rewrite legacy code. 

If you need help modernizing your system contact us!