Enterprise application management (EAD) truly works! It can solve today s biggest problems, and help prepare companies for the next generation of challenges. EAD is flexible enough to function in any data-driven information environment, yet disciplined and rigorous enough to create effective results consistently. Unfortunately, many companies do not fully understand EAD before they purchase its systems or hire its consultants. They see the term “systems” and “implementations” and become confused. They do not understand the true scope and depth of this exciting enterprise application management concept and open source low code application development platform.
Most enterprise software systems are sold based on the premise of their ability to replace “old” legacy apps – software programs that have been in use for several versions. However, an enterprise application modernization strategy not only replaces those legacy apps, it replaces all traces of them as well. That means there are no more legacy apps on the company’s servers, but each employee has access to all the new software, written in the corresponding programming languages. In addition, this means there are no more file servers, no more storage partitions, no more network infrastructure requirements and no more licensing issues. In short, every aspect of the business can be automated under the cover of one comprehensive system.
Cloud app modernization
EAD can be implemented in two different forms: on-premise and cloud hosting. On-premise enterprise application modernization requires purchasing and implementing specific technologies and components. The key component is a specialized web server, sometimes referred to as a “cloud host”. The cloud hosting option, on the other hand, eliminates the need for a traditional web server. Instead, the enterprise applications are hosted on a provider’s infrastructure – typically a data center or a virtual private server (VPS) – which can be accessed via the internet.
The on-premise cloud app modernization approach has its own challenges. The most obvious one is the transition from a stand-alone system to an integrated system and benefits of Rapid application development platform. Companies that provide this kind of service can charge a monthly fee for the use of their tools, which makes it more expensive than the stand-alone option. Additionally, companies that offer the service have very little control over the maintenance and security of the apps, so it’s imperative that the transition is well monitored.
A second option for enterprise application modernization approach is to adapt a custom development methodology, or a Software as a Service (SaaS) approach. These services typically have fewer limitations and can be implemented more easily than an SaaS model. Furthermore, many of these services have very low recurring fees and no long-term hardware needs. However, they have less control over the maintenance and security of the apps, so it’s critical that the company take a very active role during the process. This option can also be much more expensive than the stand-alone model.
The third alternative is to implement enterprise application modernization with the help of third-party integrations. Many organizations use these services to provide additional functionality to legacy products that may no longer be supported by the organization. Many times, these integrations bring new business models, data models, marketing strategies, and business processes to the table, resulting in enhanced business results. However, integration solutions are often more expensive than traditional integration processes, and many times, these integrations are only available for select legacy products.
Modernization strategy
Before implementing any enterprise application modernization strategy, organizations should determine which products and processes they need to adapt. By assessing the needs of their business, the CIO can determine the right approach for transforming their legacy applications functionalities. Many organizations choose to implement the modernization initiative by leveraging off-premise systems and implementing changes through the stack or on-premise integration solutions. Unfortunately, these systems often contain a number of legacy applications that are not tested or maintained at the system level. Therefore, when these applications fail to function properly, the result can be disastrous for an enterprise.
Final Words:
In most cases, rehosting existing applications is not a viable enterprise application modernization option. This is because rehosting requires the purchase and installation of new application servers and application software. Organizations may also have to spend money on training employees and paying third-party vendors to maintain the necessary infrastructure.
However, if the business can eliminate the need for purchasing new infrastructure and personnel, it will be easier to implement the change. Enterprise modernization does not have to be a large investment to create business value; however, if the change will not require the replacement of legacy apps, it will provide immediate business value without significant long-term cost and Mendix vs outsystems vs powerapps vs wavemaker pricing.
