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A legacy system is a broad term used to describe an information system that uses (Older, perhaps) outdated technology.

Some factors used to determine legacy systems are:
• Age. If the software is over 10 years old, it can be considered legacy software.
• System support. The system can no longer support multiple software that the organization relies on, or the skills required to support the system have become obsolete.
• Maintenance. The software cannot be upgraded or extended, and maintenance is more expensive and takes more time and effort.
• User Experience. The software is unable to handle a large number of users. (Or, it requires users to have to go to multiple systems to compile the required info).

While legacy systems may still work despite these factors, the window of opportunity for growth is firmly sealed shut. Missing out on new software capabilities like cloud computing , improved data integration and the effective use of Metadata tools, can hold your business back.

Fortunately, there are many legacy system modernization strategies. Which legacy system modernization strategy works best for your business depends on the skills shortages you have and what enhanced capabilities you would like to add on. Conducting a thorough assessment of your legacy system can help you determine which legacy system modernization strategy will work best for you.

Some legacy system modernization approaches that you can take:

Replacement
Legacy replacement modernization is a strategy that involves eliminating the former application component and replacing it with a new system.
Legacy replacement modernization may be the right modernization strategy for you if:
• You are looking to add on new functions and features
• Your system cannot keep up with your business needs
• Modernization of your existing legacy system is not possible or cost-effective
• Your legacy system is very outdated and not extensible
As you can tell, this modernization strategy is multi-faceted and can be applied to many business types to help meet their needs.

Rebuild
The rebuilding method essentially takes your legacy system and throws it out the window. This strategy rewrites the application component completely from scratch while still preserving specifications and key factors.
While a complete overhaul like this takes a lot of work, it does allow for new functions and features to be integrated into the new system.

Rearchitecting
Rearchitecting involves materially altering the application code so it can be transferred to a new application architecture with better capabilities.

Refactor
Refactoring involves optimizing and restructuring existing code without changing external behavior. This strategy is used to remove technical debt and to improve the features and structure of the component.

Replatforming
This strategy is used to migrate an application to a new run-time platform. Replatforming makes very few changes to the code for adaptation but does not change the code structure nor the functions and features that it provides.

Rehost
Rehosting re-deploys an application to a cloud infrastructure, virtual, or physical structure. This is done without recompiling, altering the code, or making any changes to functions and features.

Encapsulate
This strategy is used to extend an application’s features and value. Data and functions are encapsulated into the application and made available as services through an application programming interface (API).

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