Transformation to the “Abstract – Build – Change”principle 3 building blocks for application modernization
The development of modern apps and new platforms is not only based on new technologies, but also on putting the customer experience at the center of attention. What makes successful application modernization?
Companies on the topic
In view of the digital transformation and the associated customer requirements, an application modernization is often advisable.
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The strategy for digital transformation has evolved from “digital First” to “digital Only” in many companies. The customer experience is the driver par excellence. As HCL Technologies ‘ Digital Acceleration Report shows, 65 percent of decision makers and executives are already using digital technologies to improve the customer experience. 41 Percent use analytics to better understand customers and the market.
In a world where customers are spoilt for choice in all areas, their expectations have changed fundamentally. Therefore, companies need to respond to changing requirements and introduce algorithms and modern functionalities into their offerings Due to the ever-growing customer demands and the high profits that result from consistent customer centricity, companies are rethinking their existing platforms and increasingly using modern, cloud-based technologies.
The development of modern applications and platforms through re-coding, re-architecting or relocation to the cloud determines whether companies can successfully create new ways of addressing customers. To do this, you need platforms that can be quickly adapted, always work and are scalable as required. Since it is difficult to make invasive changes to the architecture of the application quickly, companies should focus on changing the entire architecture of the application to create better customer experiences.
Outdated applications, modernize
Modernization of a monolithic application.
(Image: HCL Technologies)
The modernization should enable the development of new functions based on existing resources – in line with a strategy that reduces legacy loads and continuously improves modernized applications. Architecture-based modernization usually also involves converting the existing platform into a modular architecture platform such as the cloud, which also enables software transformation and code analysis.
A platform-based modernization of outdated applications is often an invasive process. This sometimes requires not only a re-platforming, but also a re-coding of the original software to introduce modern functionalities. This can be achieved through various methods, such as linking applications via a cloud service, developing new features, microservices and/or DevOps.
A successful application modernization initiative leverages the benefits of the cloud as well as high scale, performance, and other factors to improve the overall customer experience. Since the architecture can only be changed in a complex process, companies should create a prioritization scheme. This allows you to change the underlying architecture while prioritising the changes for the customer experience. Functions with comprehensive interfaces should be available in order to develop a specific customer offering.
The most common approach to architectural modernization is to dismantle and re-factor monolithic applications on self-contained units. This is achieved with the help of techniques such as domain-controlled design, in which an application is divided on the basis of skills. Not every skill is needed in the same way. Therefore, during application modernization, companies should be able to make minor changes and scale them independently to the customer’s needs. This way you create a better customer experience.
The ABC approach to modernisation
The A-B-C approach of HCL.
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HCL recommends the A-B-C (Abstract – Build – Change) approach as an important kit for a platform-based modernization of applications. This is based on three interconnected processes: creating an abstraction layer, developing new functions using APIs, and modifying applications through an extended architecture.
Creating an abstraction layer
Creating a platform level for abstracting information from existing resources allows companies to view available information in a consistent way. Thus, various enterprise applications such as customer relationship management, product lifestyle management and manufacturing execution systems can be abstracted by clearly defined APIs. In addition, the period for the consolidation and modernization of individual layers of the stack is significantly shortened.
Developing new functions
Once the platform level is introduced, companies should use the APIs to develop new features and create better customer experiences. With the help of interfaces, companies can break down the functions into microservices. This contributes to efficient maintenance of applications and creates better customer experiences. Modern applications also rely on a neurolinguistic programming approach to facilitate customer actions, increase engagement and enable personalized interactions.
Changing outdated systems
Changing the architecture of an application is a crucial aspect in transforming digital experiences. Consolidating and updating applications based on a prioritized customer experience can contribute to its optimization.
Application modernization – the way into the future
There is an urgent need to transform digital platforms and modernize applications. Companies need fast innovations to optimize their current business processes and develop new, improved business models.
Ananth Subramanya (Image: HCL Technologies)
Application modernization helps improve the overall customer experience by enabling efficient processes and services with a user-friendly interface. At the same time, scalable solutions help you avoid capital costs and reduce the risk of downtime. In addition, modern applications allow employees to focus on the company’s core tasks and strategy, rather than spending their time maintaining outdated applications.
* Ananth Subramanya is Vice President Digital Platform Solutions at HCL Technologies.
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