Replatforming: how to make your IT future-proof

Have you ever wondered how you can benefit from the latest technological developments – without having to redesign your entire IT infrastructure? Or are you currently facing the challenge of modernising outdated systems? Then replatforming is an approach you should take a closer look at.

Anyone who wants to keep pace with digitalisation and all the latest technological innovations needs to continuously adapt their IT landscape. Replatforming offers an effective solution for migrating existing applications and systems to modern platforms without having to completely change the underlying architecture. The result: you reap the benefits of the cloud – such as improved scalability, cost efficiency and flexibility – while also optimising your operating costs.

In this guide, we show you what replatforming is and how you can make your migration a success. We explain the different approaches, highlight the advantages and challenges, and provide you with best practices. Whether you are just starting to plan or are already in the middle of the migration process, we provide you with valuable insights and support to help you carry out your replatforming project in the best possible way. Make your IT infrastructure fit for the future and take advantage of all the opportunities that modern cloud technologies offer you today.

Replatforming offers you a relatively simple way to modernise existing IT infrastructures and adapt them to current technological requirements. In this section, we will look at the basics of this IT strategy, the different approaches and how it differs from other methods. But first, let's take a look at the basic definition of the term:

‘Lift, Tinker and Shift’ is an approach within the replatforming process in which existing applications are first ‘lifted’ to a new platform and then optimised (tinker) before being finally transferred to the new environment (shift). This step-by-step approach minimises risks and enables improvements to be implemented in a targeted and controlled manner.

Let's take a medium-sized financial services provider as an example: it is moving its existing customer management software to the cloud, optimising database queries and improving integration with other cloud services before the application is completely transferred to the new platform.

Replatforming differs from rehosting and refactoring in terms of the degree of change and the approach to migration.

In rehosting, applications are moved to a new platform without any changes, while in refactoring, the code is fundamentally reworked to bring the application in line with modern standards. Replatforming lies between these two approaches and involves both the migration and optimisation of applications.

This migration strategy offers numerous advantages that go far beyond simple cost savings. It gives you greater flexibility, improved scalability and faster responsiveness to market changes. Read on to find out how replatforming can help you make your IT infrastructure future-proof and competitive.

The right time for migration depends on various factors, including your current IT infrastructure, business objectives and market conditions. Conduct a thorough analysis to determine a favourable start date.

To assess readiness, you should also consider criteria such as availability of resources and management support. A comprehensive assessment will help you identify and address potential challenges early on.

Choosing the right technologies is crucial to the success of your replatforming project. Use technologies that meet your specific requirements and allow for seamless integration. These include, among others:

• Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes): Enables flexible deployment and scaling of applications.
• Serverless computing (AWS Lambda, Azure Functions): Reduces operational overhead and improves scalability.
• Database migrations (managed SQL, NoSQL databases): Creates powerful and low-maintenance storage solutions.

Cloud-native approaches and microservices are key components of current replatforming strategies. They offer flexibility, scalability and improved maintainability. By using microservices, applications can be broken down into smaller, independent components that are easier to manage and update.

The MACH principles provide you with a framework for developing modern, flexible IT architectures. They promote the use of microservices, API-first approaches, cloud-native technologies and headless systems to ensure maximum adaptability and scalability.

The Strangler pattern is a proven method for gradually replacing monolithic applications with modern systems. It enables the migration of functions and data to new systems without interrupting ongoing operations. The following steps are taken during implementation:

• Analysis of existing components: Identification of system parts that need to be modernised.
• Parallel operation of old and new architecture: The new system gradually takes over functions from the old system.
• Complete replacement of the old system: Once all critical functions have been transferred, the old system can be shut down.

• Lower risk: The risk of complete system failure is minimised by gradual migration.
• More flexible adaptation: Modernisation can be adapted to your current business requirements.

An efficient replatforming project requires strategic planning, the right technology selection and continuous monitoring to minimise risks and ensure a seamless migration. The following steps will help you structure the process:

A structured approach reduces risks, ensures smooth migration and improves the long-term performance of your new platform. You benefit from a stable, scalable and secure IT architecture that supports future innovations and secures your competitive advantage.

In addition, thorough monitoring enables early detection and resolution of problems, ensuring efficiency and operational continuity even after migration. This makes replatforming a sustainable success factor in your digital transformation.

Replatforming is an essential step if you want to future-proof your IT infrastructure. It enables you to efficiently modernise existing systems without having to completely redevelop them.

The targeted use of cloud technologies, microservices and API-driven architectures not only optimises operating costs, but also significantly increases agility and scalability. A well-executed migration minimises risks and improves the performance of your IT infrastructure. The following advantages ensure that your IT is future-proof:

1. Increased agility and competitiveness: You can respond more quickly to market changes and implement innovations more efficiently.
2. Optimal scalability: Cloud-native technologies enable resources to be scaled flexibly and according to demand, ensuring high performance even as user numbers increase.
3. Improved security and compliance standards: Modern security architectures and optimised access controls enable you to strengthen your IT security and meet regulatory requirements more easily.
4. Greater efficiency and cost optimisation: Better utilisation of cloud resources allows you to optimise operating costs and automate IT processes.
5. Seamless integration of new technologies: Replatforming allows you to easily integrate forward-looking technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data and IoT into your existing systems.
6. Improved user experience: Faster loading times, smoother processes and higher availability contribute to better customer satisfaction and employee productivity.

Replatforming is therefore not a short-term necessity, but a strategic investment in the future. If you approach this step consistently and strategically, you will not only master existing challenges, but also secure long-term competitive advantages. Investing in a modern, flexible and scalable IT infrastructure today lays the foundation for sustainable success in a digitally driven economy.