By Steve Morland, CTO, Leighton
Most businesses are heavily reliant on software applications to operate. In fact, it’s estimated that enterprise businesses use on average between 473 and 664 applications for day-today operations.
However, many are clinging to outdated onpremises software, hindering agility and limiting growth.
Application modernisation offers a solution, but simply migrating applications to the cloud isn’t enough. Businesses need to embrace a cloud-first approach to unlock the full potential of the cloud.
The pitfalls of lift-and-shift
The lift-and-shift approach, where applications are moved from onpremises servers to the cloud without significant modifications, might seem like modernisation but the limitations of the original application will remain as the software won’t leverage the cloud’s built-in features like automatic scaling, on-demand provisioning and pay-as-you-go pricing, leading to inefficiencies.
Challenges of on-premise applications
On-premise applications typically come at a high cost as they require significant upfront investment in hardware, software licenses, and IT infrastructure as well as ongoing maintenance, updates, and security measures. They also offer limited scalability with scaling typically a complex and expensive exercise. Add to that a lack of agility with new features or functionalities requiring lengthy development cycles and of course, additional infrastructure investment.
Advantages of a cloud-first approach
The true power lies in a cloud-first approach where applications are designed and developed specifically for the cloud environment, bringing many benefits. Cloud platforms offer robust security features that continuously update, mitigating the risk of breaches. Scalability becomes effortless as resources can be automatically adjusted based on demand, saving costs and ensuring smooth performance during peak times. Integration with other cloud services is easier, fostering a connected ecosystem of tools. What’s more, cloud-first development aligns perfectly with DevOps practices, allowing for faster development cycles and quicker time to market.
Common cloud challenges
Transitioning to a cloud-first model isn’t without its challenges. Common obstacles can include complexities when it comes to data migration, skill gaps in cloud technologies, and resistance to change within the business. However comprehensive planning, investing in training for IT staff, and fostering a culture that embraces change are effective ways to resolve these challenges.
Getting started with application modernisation
Before you get started with application modernisation, you require a strategic plan. A good place to start is to first take stock of existing applications to understand their functionalities and dependencies. From there you can explore cloud-native development options, such as containerisation, serverless and microservices architecture, to break down applications into smaller, more manageable components. If you’re new to the cloud, consider partnering with cloud service providers who offer expertise in cloud-first development and migration strategies.
The cloud isn’t just a storage space for outdated applications. By embracing a cloudfirst approach to application modernisation, businesses can unlock several benefits such as enhanced security, improved scalability, faster development cycles and eamless integration. Cloud-first modernisation can also lead to significant cost reductions through optimised resource utilisation and reduced maintenance overhead. Faster innovation cycles fueled by the agility of the cloud allow businesses to experiment more readily and bring new features to market quicker, all contributing to a competitive advantage.
leighton.com