A vintage computer on a blue background displaying old software symbolizes the need for software modernization.

Software modernization

Making outdated software fit for the future
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HomeServicesIT ModernizationSoftware Modernization

Software modernization: Future-proof systems with MaibornWolff

Rising maintenance costs, recurring system errors and development costs that are difficult to plan: Does this sound familiar to you? Then you should act quickly! Because outdated software can significantly slow down operations and jeopardize your competitiveness.

MaibornWolff offers the solution: with software modernization or software refurbishment, we make your legacy systems fit for the future - while the process is running. Put your trust in our more than 30 years of experience and make your company fit for the future.

Customized solutions

We offer customized software modernization based on the comprehensive analysis from our software audit

Domain Driven Design

We focus on the functional requirements of the application rather than on existing technical conditions in order to be able to make optimal adjustments at any time.

Smooth modernization

Save time and money - we at MaibornWolff modernize your software during ongoing operations.

Many years of experience

With over 30 years of experience in successful software modernization, we are your reliable partner for critical and complex projects.

Good to know...

For us, software remediation and software modernization are two sides of the same coin. Both processes can involve similar approaches and practices, from a partial renewal to a complete re-write. In our view, the term refurbishment tends to focus on an approach away from an existing bad situation. Modernization, on the other hand, focuses on the process towards a desired future modern application.

What is software modernization?

The short answer: software modernization means the iterative updating and improvement of existing software to make it continuously adaptable to new requirements, technologies and standards. This increases efficiency and extends the useful life of the software. Sounds complicated? It's actually not at all.

Imagine the following scenario: You have taken wonderful care of your old smartphone and have been using it for years. But suddenly certain apps no longer run or run slowly and updates are no longer possible. Your phone's operating system is slowly getting too old. What should you do? Most people resort to the obvious solution: buy a new smartphone.

Companies also face a similar problem from time to time. They have a system that is built in such a way that it is overloaded and difficult to adapt and therefore no longer meets the demands that a company places on its system. And this is where software modernization enters the scene.

A group of people discuss software modernization in front of a whiteboard.

This keeps your company flexible

Software modernization involves updating your existing system by replacing outdated technologies, adding new functions and optimizing the structure. The aim is to make the software more efficient, more secure and more adaptable, for example to meet new requirements. Software modernization can include various aspects such as updating:

  • Program code,
  • Development processes and practices,
  • Automated tests for validation,
  • databases and
  • user interfaces

Software modernization with MaibornWolff - your benefits

MaibornWolff is your strategic partner for software refurbishment. With over 30 years of experience, we offer customized solutions that take into account both technological and business requirements.

Our specialized focus on software modernization means that we modernize your software while it is running, without interrupting your business processes. This saves time and costs and ensures fast, valid feedback from production. As a result, the system matures faster and more effectively.

Put your trust in our expertise and let us make your software future-proof together.

Nora Legittimo on the collaboration with MaibornWolff

"Thanks to MaibornWolff, who (1) first led us from the symptoms to the cause in our project (2) showed us the way with good digital design how better software can be created faster with less effort. And - first class! - (3) They emphasized helping people to help themselves and coached us as customers instead of making us dependent."

Nora Legittimo, former Chief Digital Officer, Digital Transformation in Construction, Schöck Bauteile GmbH

Valencia-04

Would you like to become a satisfied MaibornWolff customer yourself?

Our references & projects

A reference is worth more than 1,000 words. Fortunately, we have dozens of them. Click through a selection of our most exciting projects and see for yourself!

  • A red MAN truck drives along an empty road under a clear night sky with shining stars.
    MAN: Efficient threat analysis for control units

    Digitalization increases cyber risks - especially for MAN's new CM4 control unit. Our experts use the 4×6 methodology and ThreatSea to identify threats at an early stage and develop targeted protective measures. Find out how MAN uses intelligent risk analysis to strengthen the security of its vehicles.

    See MAN reference
    MAN: Efficient threat analysis for control units
    7 months

    Project duration

    Over 20 workshops

    Threat analyses

    Over 500

    Potential risks evaluated

    See MAN reference
  • A technician in a green Siemens jacket sits in front of a computer on a factory floor with industrial equipment in the background.
    Siemens: AI demand prediction platform for industrial production planning

    Siemens is looking to the future with the AI Demand Prediction Platform. Thanks to machine learning and AutoML, precise demand forecasts can be created for over 100 products and production can be better planned. Launched as a proof of concept, the platform quickly developed into a system that can be used productively. The self-service web application will soon be used in other plants.

    See Siemens reference
    Siemens: AI demand prediction platform for industrial production planning
    Project duration

    Since February 2022

    Proof of concept

    in a few weeks

    Time series prediction

    for 100 different products

    See Siemens reference
  • Two women are standing in a workshop. One woman is holding a tablet in her hands.
    TÜV NORD GPT: Development of AI assistance

    Find relevant information faster by chatting with documents? It's possible! The TÜV NORD GROUP uses GPT technology in the secure Microsoft Azure Cloud. With the aim of optimizing knowledge management and efficiency. The system enables new usage options within the testing group and is operated securely. Find out more about the innovative AI assistance system now.

    See TÜV NORD reference
    TÜV NORD GPT: Development of AI assistance
    Project duration

    since September 2023

    33.000

    GPT applications in the first month

    ChatGPT Model 4

    in the European Microsoft Azure Cloud

    See TÜV NORD reference
  • Carousel_Schöck_Components-1
    Schöck components: Improvement of the requirements process

    Together with MaibornWolff, the construction industry specialist optimized the requirements management of its Scalix design software. Thanks to the digital design approach, the technical requirements were re-specified and the software was further developed in a user-centered manner. The aim is to continuously increase user satisfaction and integrate internal and external interests. Read more about the methodology and results now!

    See Schöck Bauteile reference
    Schöck components: Improvement of the requirements process
    Project duration

    since 2022

    Team size

    2-3 Digital Designer:inside

    In 2024
    Scalix replaces old software
    See Schöck Bauteile reference
  • VW drives through tunnel at night
    VW: Digitization of key production figures with the iProcess app

    Less paper, more efficiency: Volkswagen replaces analog processes with the iProcess app. Cloud-native technologies and digital design enable intuitive recording and analysis of key production figures. This increases transparency and overall equipment effectiveness and paves the way for predictive maintenance at the automotive group.

    See VW reference
    VW: Digitization of key production figures with the iProcess app
    Project duration

    Since January 2021

    Team size

    5 to 10 persons

    Fast app development

    thanks to Digital Design

    See VW reference
  • Woman on the beach at sunset with laptop.
    DER Touristik: Become a digital travel companion in 7 months

    Travel information, bookings, support - all in one app. With Flutter, MaibornWolff developed a cross-platform solution for DER Touristik. In just seven months, a stable app was created for iOS and Android that supports multiple brands, languages and countries. This is how customer proximity travels.

    See DER Touristik reference
    DER Touristik: Become a digital travel companion in 7 months
    7 months

    From Kickoff to Go Live

    iOS and Android

    Digital travel companion

    Whitelabelling solution

    Uncomplicated integration of additional brands, languages and countries

    See DER Touristik reference
  • Sports car parked in a colorful desert landscape.
    Mixed reality: driving a real car in a virtual world

    Virtual racing in a real car? MaibornWolff made it possible for the BMW M. Within three months, we used Unreal Engine 4 to develop a prototype that processes vehicle signals with high performance and creates an immersive driving experience without motion sickness. The cockpit remains real, the surroundings become the racetrack.

    See BMW reference
    Mixed reality: driving a real car in a virtual world
    <3 months

    From the vision to the prototype

    3D applications

    in real time

    Team

    Unreal development, XR technology, game design, smart devices, 3D content

    See BMW reference
  • Woman with tablet in modern factory hall
    KUKA: Web interface for a new Human Machine Interface

    Rethinking robotics: KUKA is working with us to develop iiQKA.OS - an operating system with an intuitive web HMI. Using web technologies and scrum methods, we enable flexible customization and simple control. Open collaboration makes robotics more accessible than ever before.

    See KUKA reference
    KUKA: Web interface for a new Human Machine Interface
    Goal

    Replacing the current control software

    iiQKA.OS

    Fast and intuitive development

    > 11,000 hours

    Project work

    See KUKA reference
  • Header_Stiehl-IMOW-16-9
    STIHL: Control iMOW robotic mower via app

    Robot mower redefined: The iMOW from STIHL makes lawn care smarter. Our software expertise combined with STIHL's hardware know-how ensures intuitive app control. The result? A networked device that makes gardening easier - simple, efficient, innovative.

    Read more
    STIHL: Control iMOW robotic mower via app
    Project duration

    since August 2020

    Robot mower

    Control via app

    Process optimization

    with the customer

    Read more
  • Woman smiling while driving into vehicle.
    DEKRA: Modern enterprise architecture thanks to co-creation

    New IT for a sustainable future: the global auditing group needed to modernize its IT landscape. Co-Creation created a harmonized architecture and the EA Community promotes cross-border exchange for strong IT until 2025 - and beyond.

    See DEKRA reference
    DEKRA: Modern enterprise architecture thanks to co-creation
    Most important method:

    Building an EA community

    Created concept

    Enterprise Architecture

    Cooperation

    at eye level

    See DEKRA reference
  • Person uses Miele app in modern kitchen.
    Miele domestic appliances are networked worldwide

    How do household appliances become smart? Miele relies on an IoT platform that we played a key role in developing. Container-based architecture ensures stable communication, DevOps for continuous improvement - so that smart appliances can be found in millions of households worldwide.

    See Miele reference
    Miele domestic appliances are networked worldwide
    Project duration

    since 2016

    Success factors:

    High availability and scalability

    IoT platform

    with container-based architecture

    See Miele reference
  • Man checks MAN trucks at sunset.
    MAN: Secure Software Development Life Cycle

    Trucks are networked - and therefore unfortunately also targets for attack. With SSDLC, MAN relies on security by design and integrates the highest security standards directly into development. Together with 22 teams, we have established security measures that go beyond the legal requirements.

    See MAN reference
    MAN: Secure Software Development Life Cycle
    22 months

    Project duration

    UNECE R155
    successfully integrated
    Methods

    Security Champions, DevSecOps, OWASP SAMM

    See MAN reference
  • Header_It_goes_LOS
    It's LOS: Building a cloud-based low-code application

    Democracy meets digitalization: For "Es geht LOS!", we developed a low-code app for candidate management in five weeks. Built on AWS, it enables secure draws and efficient user management - for more citizen participation digitally.

    See Es geht LOS reference
    It's LOS: Building a cloud-based low-code application
    Project duration

    Since the beginning of 2022

    MVP

    in only 5 weeks

    Technologies

    Amplify, AppSync, CodeCommit, IAM, Cognito, DynamoDB, Lambda

    See Es geht LOS reference
  • Control unit in an automated factory environment.
    Monitoring alarms in industrial plants

    Safety in industrial plants requires a real-time overview. We developed a live monitoring platform that networks measuring devices and collects data via Azure IoT and Kubernetes. A scalable MVP was created in just three months: alarms appear in under ten seconds thanks to automated data acquisition via smartphone and Bluetooth.

    See reference
    Monitoring alarms in industrial plants
    3 years

    Project duration

    <3 months

    to the MVP

    Cloud migration
    Modernization & relocation
    See reference
  • Large rollers on conveyor belt in factory.
    Planning systems: Optimizing the capacity utilization of pressing plants

    Maximum capacity utilization, minimum costs: Our customer relies on a central planning system for pressing plants. We have been supporting its further development with .NET Core, GraphQL and PostgreSQL for over ten years. Now the journey is moving to the cloud - for greater scalability, flexibility and efficiency.

    See reference
    Planning systems: Optimizing the capacity utilization of pressing plants
    >10 years

    Customer support

    Technological modernization
    Cloud-ready platform
    Efficiency through data
    Site-specific cost planning
    See reference
  • Header_Global-Requirements-Planning-System-for-Workforce-2-16-9
    Global workforce planning system

    How do you achieve globally harmonized workforce planning? With a modern web application based on domain-driven design and hexagonal architecture. Event sourcing ensures transparent traceability, while Azure and Quarkus provide stability and scalability. The result: a flexible, future-proof solution.

    See reference
    Global workforce planning system
    Team size

    Up to 8 employees

    Domain Driven Design

    Development approach

    Microsoft Azure Cloud

    allows easy roll-out of new versions

    See reference
  • Couple walking on the beach at sunset.
    DER Touristik Online: Development and migration of a multi-client capable travel booking platform

    Different brands, one platform: DER Touristik merges several independent websites. We are supporting the migration to the AWS cloud with digital design, microservices and testing. The focus is on performance, SEO and UX - for a seamless digital travel experience.

    See DER Touristik reference
    DER Touristik Online: Development and migration of a multi-client capable travel booking platform
    Standardized platform
    Multi-client travel portal
    Quality assurance
    End-2-End test automation
    Cloud transformation
    Migration to AWS cloud
    See DER Touristik reference
  • Man with tablet in front of KUKA industrial robots
    KUKA: UI/UX design for an app for load data analysis for industrial robots

    How do you reduce support requests? With a smart UX! KUKA and MaibornWolff developed a web-based application for load data analysis. Through "Understand/Build/Learn" we recognized challenges early on and validated solutions for an intuitive user experience.

    See KUKA reference
    KUKA: UI/UX design for an app for load data analysis for industrial robots
    Method

    Product Experience Design

    Customer request

    Easier interaction between users and the system

    Our goal
    Optimized load data analysis, fewer support requests, higher satisfaction
    See KUKA reference
  • Cars on assembly line in factory
    BMW Group: Replacement of a production-critical legacy system

    20-year-old system, new digital future. We gradually migrated production software to a flexible architecture. After two years, central plants were running on the new solution - stable, fail-safe and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

    See BMW Group reference
    BMW Group: Replacement of a production-critical legacy system
    Project duration

    Mid-2018 to the beginning of 2024

    Team size

    25 employees

    Legacy system

    replaced after 20 years

    See BMW Group reference
  • A person wearing virtual reality glasses drives a car in an urban environment at night with illuminated buildings in the background.
    BMW Group: Virtual reality brings vehicle design to life

    From the first draft to series production - BMW uses VR to visualize the entire development process. Based on the Unreal Engine, a uniform platform visualizes designs and processes. This saves on hardware prototypes and enables location-independent collaboration. MaibornWolff plays a key role in driving the development and integration of these VR use cases.

    See BMW Group reference
    BMW Group: Virtual reality brings vehicle design to life
    3.2 years

    Project duration

    Cooperation

    Location-independent and virtual

    Infrastructure

    Scalable and expandable thanks to the cloud

    See BMW Group reference
  • The dashboard of a car shows a display with a notification about a remote software upgrade.
    BMW Group: Remote software upgrade for vehicles

    No visits to the workshop, no stress - thanks to Remote Software Upgrade, BMW vehicles worldwide remain up-to-date "over-the-air". MaibornWolff has been developing and operating the backend for secure updates for over three years. Microservice architectures and DevOps approaches guarantee stability, performance and security.

    See BMW Group reference
    BMW Group: Remote software upgrade for vehicles
    5 years

    Project duration

    Millions of vehicles

    receive new features thanks to "over-the-air" upgrade

    IT security

    Always up-to-date thanks to remote software upgrade

    See BMW Group reference
  • A person in a modern office checks proof of identity on the web on a laptop and smartphone.
    Creditreform: Secure proof of identity on the web

    Verifying online identities in a forgery-proof manner while maintaining user-friendliness - CrefoTrust makes it possible. Together, we developed a solution that creates trust with blockchain technology and proofs of concept. Personal and company data remain protected, while verifications run smoothly.

    See Creditreform reference
    Creditreform: Secure proof of identity on the web
    5 years

    Project duration

    Pilot tests

    based on several PoCs

    Decentralized identity

    allows tamper-proof storage of identities and company information

    See Creditreform reference
  • High-voltage power lines over a green field at sunset
    Bayernwerk: Knowledge management via teams

    Experience must not be lost - Bayernwerk digitizes the knowledge of long-standing employees. MaibornWolff designed an intuitive MS Teams app with a clear UX/UI. Close collaboration, lived Scrum values and user-centered development make the app a success. Promoting exchange, optimizing processes - this is how knowledge transfer works today.

    Read more
    Bayernwerk: Knowledge management via teams
    6 months

    Project duration

    Target:

    Identify implicit knowledge

    Requirements:

    a user-centered, intuitive and clear UX/UI design

    Read more
  • A person stands in a modern, abstract room and holds a tablet in their hands.
    Weidmüller: Progression of the Industrial Service Platform

    IoT meets agility - Weidmüller and MaibornWolff developed the easyConnect platform for remote access, data visualization and machine learning. After intensive exploration, an MVP was created, accompanied by a cross-functional Scrum team. Making Industrial IoT smarter and more efficient.

    Read more
    Weidmüller: Progression of the Industrial Service Platform
    12 months

    up to the MVP

    8 weeks analysis

    of professional, technical and organizational factors

    Innovative portal

    for end-to-end solutions

    Read more
  • Technician installs solar panel on roof at sunset
    SMA: Development of a Web UI for ennexOS platform

    Optimizing energy flows, reducing costs - we have been developing the Web UI of the ennexOS platform with SMA Solar Technology since 2016. It digitizes energy management processes for over a million users and combines smart solutions for a sustainable energy future.

    See SMA reference
    SMA: Development of a Web UI for ennexOS platform
    Project duration

    since 2016

    > 1.000

    Modules and components in ennexOS platform

    > 7.000

    Fuse tests

    See SMA reference
  • Digikoo_Apple_vision_Pro_Header
    digikoo GmbH: Apple Vision Pro for city planners

    Planning cities smarter: Together with TUM, we developed the 3Digipad for Apple Vision Pro. It visualizes complex energy data in 3D and makes scenarios intuitively tangible. Dynamic building data and KPIs support urban planners in making sustainable decisions.

    See digikoo reference
    digikoo GmbH: Apple Vision Pro for city planners
    4 months

    Project duration

    3D map with KPIs
    Display building data dynamically
    Energy data
    Immersive visualization
    See digikoo reference
  • Server room with green planting, demonstrating data platform for the Azure Cloud.
    digikoo: A data platform for the Azure Cloud

    Structured geodata, automated quality assurance, seamless provision - we developed a powerful Snowflake data platform on Azure for Digikoo. It makes analysis easier for data scientists and lays the foundation for precise forecasts and new use cases.

    See digikoo reference
    digikoo: A data platform for the Azure Cloud
    5 months

    Project duration

    Climate change

    Plan digitally and implement efficiently

    Foundation data platform

    Microsoft Azure Cloud

    See digikoo reference

Reasons for a software refurbishment

As long as a system runs smoothly, you don't pay much attention to it. But at the latest when various problems start to accumulate, it becomes clear that modernization is long overdue. Companies whose individual software no longer keeps pace risk losing touch and losing their competitiveness.

Here are some typical scenarios in which modernization becomes necessary:

  • Complex or impossible development of functionalities
    Even during the development of the individual software, some functionalities can no longer be implemented or can only be implemented with a great deal of effort.
  • Frequent problems in running systems
    Ongoing projects reach a level at which problems occur more and more frequently. These can include system crashes in production systems, unexpected errors due to the deployment of new software versions or problems with the application release process.
  • Outdated individual software no longer meets changing requirements
    Laws, business areas or production processes are changing. The old software can no longer map these new requirements.
  • Rising costs with decreasing performance
    The costs for operation and further development are rising continuously, while the functionality of the software is only increasing slowly.

Our range of services for software modernization

At MaibornWolff, we cover the entire software modernization process: from the initial analysis of your existing systems through to successful implementation. Our aim is to make your software future-proof, efficient and flexible.

Software Audit

  • Detailed site analysis of your system
  • Refurbishment plan with specific recommendations for action
  • Implementation at eye level with your team by experts from modernization projects
  • Roadmap & cost indication
  • Duration: 3 weeks
  • Investment: up to 60,000 €
Contact us

Software modernization

  • Development of the target image for your system
  • Prioritization of the measures
  • Empowerment of your development team or joint implementation of the projects
Contact us

Long-term further development

  • Decision whether implementation by MaibornWolff or your team
  • Empowerment of your team and support in building a team
  • Proven, step-by-step handover phases ensure security
Contact us

Software refurbishment and modernization: Our approach

From the initial analysis to detailed planning and implementation: we ensure that your software modernization is efficient and successful. Our collaboration looks like this:

abstract-lininen-7

1. Initial conversation

Our collaboration begins with a specific problem that brings you to us. A brief discussion helps us to assess the modernization effort and understand your specific needs.

2. Offer and software audit

3. Final presentation and next steps

4. Planning and implementation

5. Smooth modernization during operation

Methods of software modernization

There are various approaches to software modernization, depending on the status and requirements of the existing software. Basically, three main methods can be distinguished:

  • Re-write
    With this method, outdated software is gradually replaced with new code. This enables continuous improvement and adaptation of the software without interrupting operation.
  • Complete modernization
    Here, the entire code of the software is completely revised. This method is necessary if the software is very outdated and requires fundamental changes in order to meet current requirements. The tech stack (i.e. the programming language, frameworks, technologies, etc.) is often replaced with the latest technologies.
  • Partial renewal
    This rarely used method involves supplementing or replacing certain parts of the software, while the rest remains unchanged. This is usually only used when time or budget is very limited.

Tools for software remediation

Regardless of which method you choose, you will receive a smooth and efficient modernization - supported by our proven methods and procedures. Here are four key approaches that we use:

abstracted-linen-6

Strangler Pattern

The Strangler Pattern (also known as the Strangler Fig Pattern) is a proven process model that we use frequently and successfully. New functionalities are developed and integrated parallel to the old, running software. As soon as a new functionality has been implemented, this part of the new software goes live. The old software function is gradually replaced by the new one without a complete changeover at once (big bang). This enables early feedback and minimizes risk, as two software systems are in operation at the same time and have to interact with each other.

Clean Code

Refactoring

Software maps

Ready for a comprehensive software modernization?

When your software is ready for the next step, we are your partner for successful software modernization. With proven methods, in-depth expertise and a transparent approach, we bring your software up to date. Rely on MaibornWolff to make your system future-proof and efficient. Contact us today and get started on a modern and efficient software future.

FAQ - frequently asked questions about software modernization

  • What role do data protection and data security play in software modernization?

    Surprisingly little! Cybersecurity guidelines are usually well implemented in well-maintained systems. Data protection and security are not currently the main drivers for software modernization projects, but could become more important if legal requirements for cybersecurity increase.
  • What is a legacy system?

    A legacy system is a critical system that is indispensable for a company and needs to be modernized. It has historical value for the company, such as important know-how. However, the problem lies in technological obsolescence due to the use of sometimes outdated programming languages and architectures, for which there are often no longer any experts or resources.

  • Which companies should consider modernizing their software?

    Software modernization affects all companies for whose value creation individual software is relevant. The term individual software is important here, as it does not refer to standard software product suites, but to customized solutions that are specifically tailored to the needs of the company. Of course, a company that offers a software product may also have a need for modernization.

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