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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Making outdated software fit for the future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 Because outdated software can significantly slow down operations and jeopardize your competitiveness.

A recent MaibornWolff study highlights the need for action: “German companies are drowning in complexity. Investment in digitalization has been rising for years, yet operational productivity has stagnated in many areas.” (MaibornWolff Study on Technology Efficiency, p. 2)

52% of respondents report that the use of inefficient software within their own companies has continued to increase over the past year. (MaibornWolff Study on Technology Efficiency, p. 8)

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.

Book a free consultation

Customized solutions

We offer customized modernization that combines technical excellence with deep professional understanding. This is based on the comprehensive analysis from our Software Health Check.

Modernization during ongoing operations

We update your software while your day-to-day business continues uninterrupted. This allows us to avoid costly downtime, reduce the risk of a "big bang" failure, and save time and money.

Rapid improvement in quality

Instead of long development cycles in the dark, you receive valid feedback directly from production. This allows the new system to mature faster, more effectively, and more securely than with traditional approaches.

Many years of experience

With over 30 years of experience in the remediation of complex systems, we are your strategic partner. We understand not only the code, but also the critical business processes behind it.

What is software modernization?

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

Companies often face the problem of outdated systems. These are designed in such a way that they are overloaded and difficult to adapt. As a result, they no longer meet the requirements that companies have for their systems. This is where software modernization comes into play.

Good to know...

The terms software remediation and software modernization are often used interchangeably. The difference lies in the focus: while remediation primarily addresses acute technical debt (away from the problem), modernization aims at innovation and new business models (towards the future). Technically, we use the same robust set of methods for both scenarios.

Our latest study puts it succinctly: “The key to new competitiveness lies not in adding more tools, but in the ability to eliminate the unnecessary.” (MaibornWolff Study on Technology Efficiency, p. 6)

Reasons for a software refurbishment

Is your system still running smoothly, or is it already slowing down? When IT becomes a bottleneck, you risk losing your competitive edge. This is confirmed by the latest figures from our study: 61% of respondents say that overly complex software reduces their productivity, 55% confirm that unnecessary complexity slows down their internal processes, 44% of IT managers identify unnecessarily complex software as the most common form of inefficiency—and 41% state that redundant software is operated in parallel with functionally comparable solutions. (MaibornWolff Study on Technology Efficiency, p. 8)

Don't ignore these four classic indicators that urgent action is needed:

  • Blocked innovation

    The implementation of new features takes a disproportionate amount of time or is technically almost impossible. Time-to-market suffers massively.

  • Fragile operation

    Frequent system crashes, unexpected errors after updates (regressions), and risky release processes jeopardize stability.
    The numbers speak for themselves: 56% report a noticeable loss of time due to poor integration and the resulting system crashes and outages. (MaibornWolff Study on Technology Efficiency, p. 10)

  • Lack of adaptability

    Changing conditions—be it new laws, business areas, or production processes—can no longer be reflected in outdated architecture.

  • Skyrocketing maintenance costs

    The costs of operation and bug fixing are rising continuously, while the actual further development of the software is stagnating.
    Only 25% of experts estimate that the benefits of their current IT projects are significantly greater than the effort involved. (MaibornWolff Study on Technology Efficiency, p. 10)
    A significant portion of IT resources is not directed toward innovation, but rather toward managing unnecessary complexity. (MaibornWolff Study on Technology Efficiency, p. 8)

A person is wearing a dark blue knit sweater over a white shirt.
Technology should always be used where it adds value—not for its own sake. [...] It is important to avoid technological over-engineering and to build the IT systems of the future in a lean manner.
Alexander Hofmann, CTO of MaibornWolff
Source: MaibornWolff study “Technology Efficiency,” p. 32

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

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Would you like to become a satisfied MaibornWolff customer yourself?

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Our references & projects

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  • A microcontroller lies under a magnifying glass
    Virtualization of software testing for control units in the AWS cloud
    To the BMW reference
    CloudEmbedded Systems & RoboticsQuality Engineering

    Digital twin for control unit development & testing in cars

    To the BMW reference

    Virtualization of control units & AWS cloud integration

    To the BMW reference

    Setup of virtual cars & control units without expensive hardware setups, worldwide & distributed testing

    To the BMW reference
  • A fleet of self-driving trucks from MAN on a spacious test site.
    MAN - ATLAS L4. Control Center for the autonomous truck
    To the MAN reference
    CloudData/Data PlatformsApps

    Control center for the technical monitoring of driverless trucks

    To the MAN reference

    UX design, product strategy, data structure, vehicle data visualization

    To the MAN reference

    Monitoring, remote support, mission management, reports for commercial autonomous transport solutions

    To the MAN reference
  • Header_NOW
    NOW: National Organization for Change in Mobility: development of a data warehouse system
    To the NOW reference
    CloudData/Data PlatformsIT Consulting & Strategy

    Data foundation for nationwide charging infrastructure in Germany

    To the NOW reference

    Cloud data warehouse for integration & analysis of many diverse data sources (AWS)

    To the NOW reference

    Solid architecture, single point of truth ensures data-based evaluation of charging station demand

    To the NOW reference
  • Two people in white protective suits stand in front of a pipeline through which green glowing data streams are pumped
    NETZSCH: Development of an IoT platform
    To the NETZSCH reference
    CloudData/Data PlatformsIoT

    Unified IoT platform for 3 business units, harmonization of existing IoT solutions

    To the NETZSCH reference

    IoT device connectivity, visualization software for data analysis, cloud infrastructure, operations

    To the NETZSCH reference

    Quick testing in the cloud infrastructure, fast integration of use cases such as predictive maintenance, process optimizations, etc.

    To the NETZSCH reference
  • A shot from space with a view of the earth. A satellite hovers in the foreground. A forest fire can be seen on the ground below.
    OroraTech - Security & Compliance Support
    To the OroraTech reference
    CloudCybersecurityIT Consulting & Strategy

    Risk threat analyses for satellite startup

    To the OroraTech reference

    Security process definition, IT security risk register, action plan

    To the OroraTech reference

    Future-proof IT security for successful growth

    To the OroraTech reference
  • A person stands on a platform at sunset with digitally superimposed graphics.
    inCTRL Solutions: Modernization of the IoT platform for water treatment plants
    To inCTRL reference
    CloudIoTIT Modernization

    IoT & software modernization, integration of new functions

    To inCTRL reference

    Data warehouse setup, integration of microservices, automated quality assurance, Continuous Integration & Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

    To inCTRL reference

    Improved resilience, maintainability & further development capability of the platform

    To inCTRL reference
  • A man in a TÜV Nord shirt operates a diagnostic device in front of a vehicle.
    TÜV NORD: IT system for damage assessments
    To the TÜV Nord reference
    Data/Data PlatformsWeb & Portal PlatformsBanking/Insurance/FSI

    Holistic, flexible IT system to support expert assessors

    To the TÜV Nord reference

    Digitalization of the inspection & damage process from order creation to invoicing

    To the TÜV Nord reference

    More efficient creation & billing of damage assessments & vehicle valuations, at least 2 days time savings

    To the TÜV Nord reference
  • A woman wears VR goggles and lifts a silicone leg
    University Medicine Frankfurt - Mixed reality for the training of doctors
    To the Mixed Reality reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignAppsEmbedded Systems & Robotics

    Knee training simulator for technology-supported medical education

    To the Mixed Reality reference

    Mixed reality application combined with a haptic knee model, interactive training environment

    To the Mixed Reality reference

    Diagnostics on the human knee without simulated patients, simulation of various pathologies, real-time visualization of motion sequences

    To the Mixed Reality reference
  • Two orthopaedic surgeons view a transparent 3D hologram of the skeleton and musculature on an elegant tablet interface, surrounded by floating UI panels.
    Health.exe: AI-supported platform creates training plans for patients
    To the Health.exe reference
    CloudData/Data PlatformsApps

    AI-supported service for orthopedic & sports medicine practices

    To the Health.exe reference

    Cloud-based web application for doctors for the automated, evidence-based creation of individually tailored patient training plans

    To the Health.exe reference

    New revenue source without fixed costs, higher patient retention, AI-supported & guideline-based

    To the Health.exe reference
  • Two women are standing in a workshop. One woman is holding a tablet in her hands.
    TÜV NORD GPT: Development of AI assistance
    See TÜV NORD reference
    AppsWeb & Portal PlatformsPublic/Administration

    Secure operation of AI in the European MS Azure cloud environment

    See TÜV NORD reference

    Frontend & backend via MS Azure App, "Chat with your PDF" for TÜV employees

    See TÜV NORD reference

    Quick implementation of new technologies (AI), strengthening knowledge management

    See TÜV NORD reference
  • Carousel_Schöck_Components-1
    Schöck components: Improvement of the requirements process
    See Schöck Bauteile reference
    IT Consulting & StrategyQuality EngineeringIT Modernization

    Improved dimensioning software for the construction of load-bearing building components

    See Schöck Bauteile reference

    New digital design approach, UX concepts, UI designs, user-centered focus

    See Schöck Bauteile reference

    Higher user satisfaction, better software with less effort

    See Schöck Bauteile reference
  • VW drives through tunnel at night
    VW: Digitization of key production figures with the iProcess app
    See VW reference
    Data/Data PlatformsAppsIndustry 4.0

    Replacement of analog, error-prone activities with a digital app solution

    See VW reference

    Digital design, cloud-native technologies, UX concept, UI design, front- & backend

    See VW reference

    More transparency in production processes, higher production OEE, across plants

    See VW reference
  • Person uses Miele app in modern kitchen.
    Miele domestic appliances are networked worldwide
    See Miele reference
    CloudIoTEmbedded Systems & Robotics

    Further development of the IoT platform for connected home appliances

    See Miele reference

    Container-based architecture, open standards, modular design

    See Miele reference

    Quick availability & scalability of digital services, high added value for users

    See Miele reference
  • Cars on assembly line in factory
    BMW Group: Replacement of a production-critical legacy system
    See BMW Group reference
    IT Consulting & StrategyIT ModernizationManufacturing

    IT modernization, replacement of a 20-year-old legacy system

    See BMW Group reference

    Step-by-step migration to a modern, flexible architecture & platform

    See BMW Group reference

    High stability & reliability, long-term scalability

    See BMW Group reference
  • Woman with tablet in modern factory hall
    KUKA: Web interface for a new Human Machine Interface
    See KUKA reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignEmbedded Systems & RoboticsWeb & Portal Platforms

    Easy & intuitive web UI for product control

    See KUKA reference

    Development of HMI components & modules using Scrum

    See KUKA reference

    High user-friendliness, reliable operation, fast scalability & extensibility

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

    Consolidation of websites onto a scalable travel booking platform

    See DER Touristik reference

    Multi-tenant platform in microservice architecture, cloud infrastructure & migration (AWS), digital design, testing

    See DER Touristik reference

    Modern user experience, forward-looking travel experience platform

    See DER Touristik reference
  • Man checks MAN trucks at sunset.
    MAN: Secure Software Development Life Cycle
    See MAN reference
    CybersecurityIT Consulting & StrategyQuality Engineering

    Protection of digitalized vehicles against virtual attacks & digital threats

    See MAN reference

    SSDLC in vehicle backend systems (UNECE R155), cybersecurity management system

    See MAN reference

    Guidelines, methodologies & tools for independent risk identification, assessment & treatment by employees

    See MAN reference
  • High-voltage power lines over a green field at sunset
    Bayernwerk: Knowledge management via teams
    See Bayernwerk reference
    CloudIT Consulting & StrategyIT Modernization

    Teams app for service technicians

    See Bayernwerk reference

    User-centered, intuitive UX/UI design

    See Bayernwerk reference

    Identification & utilization of implicit knowledge within the company

    See Bayernwerk reference
  • Header_It_goes_LOS
    Es geht LOS: Development of a cloud-based application for citizen participation
    See Es geht LOS reference
    CloudAppsWeb & Portal Platforms

    App for digitalizing lottery-based participation processes for municipalities

    See Es geht LOS reference

    Digital Garage, AWS Amplify & Google Maps integration, MVP in just 5 weeks

    See Es geht LOS reference

    Selection, contact & user management via the app: data-secure, efficient, user-friendly

    See Es geht LOS reference
  • Large rollers on conveyor belt in factory.
    Planning systems: Optimizing the capacity utilization of pressing plants
    See reference
    Data/Data PlatformsIndustry 4.0Manufacturing

    Centralized planning of component manufacturing for cost- & resource-optimized production capacity worldwide

    See reference

    Conversion from local processing with fat clients to a client-server application, migration to the cloud

    See reference

    Data-based planning & calculation of different manufacturing scenarios & site-specific production costs

    See reference
  • Header_Global-Requirements-Planning-System-for-Workforce-2-16-9
    Global workforce planning system
    See reference
    CloudData/Data PlatformsPublic/Administration

    Centralized web-based IT system to replace individual isolated solutions

    See reference

    Event sourcing for planning & analytics, domain-driven design, cloud migration

    See reference

    Easy updates, expansion, maintenance, optimized security

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

    App for digital customer support before, during & after the trip

    See DER Touristik reference

    Cross-platform app with Flutter, UX/UI design, requirements engineering

    See DER Touristik reference

    Architecture flexibly integrates and extends to many languages, countries & brands

    See DER Touristik reference
  • Woman smiling while driving into vehicle.
    DEKRA: Modern enterprise architecture thanks to co-creation
    See DEKRA reference
    CloudIT Consulting & StrategyIT Modernization

    Operational & technical harmonization of the legacy IT landscape

    See DEKRA reference

    Enterprise architecture as co-creation by the lead architects of all IT business units

    See DEKRA reference

    EA community worldwide for all operational units

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

    Software upgrades without the need to visit a service center

    See BMW Group reference

    Backend system for over-the-air communication with the vehicle, 24/7 support

    See BMW Group reference

    IT security, more comfort, on-demand provision of new features

    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
    See Creditreform reference
    CybersecurityWeb & Portal PlatformsBanking/Insurance/FSI

    Fast, customer-friendly & fraud-proof digital identity verification

    See Creditreform reference

    Pilot for the forgery-proof storage & management of identity & company information in a Decentralized Identity (DID)

    See Creditreform reference

    Verified data reusable across different providers

    See Creditreform reference
  • Technician installs solar panel on roof at sunset
    SMA: Development of a Web UI for ennexOS platform
    See SMA reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignIoTWeb & Portal Platforms

    Creation of a unified customer experience across all products, smooth generational transition for customers, secure, agile operation

    See SMA reference

    WebUI for the digitalization & automation of energy management processes, open-source solution for energy flow visualization

    See SMA reference

    Energy flow & cost optimization, operational reliability, customer-friendliness

    See SMA reference
  • A person stands in a modern, abstract room and holds a tablet in their hands.
    Weidmüller: Progression of the Industrial Service Platform
    See Weidmüller reference
    CloudIoTWeb & Portal Platforms

    Creation of a centralized, intuitive, expandable portal as the foundation for industrial applications (remote access, data visualization, ML)

    See Weidmüller reference

    Exploration, setup & further development of the base platform for industrial services

    See Weidmüller reference

    Innovative portal for end-to-end solutions, MVP in just 7 months

    See Weidmüller 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
    See BMW Group reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignAppsVR/AR

    Unified platform for AR, VR & 3D real-time use cases: from planning to manufacturing

    See BMW Group reference

    Design & virtual product experience, plugin-based process support

    See BMW Group reference

    Vehicle experience already at an early stage, location-independent, cross-functional collaboration on the virtual model, savings on hardware prototypes

    See BMW Group reference

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 Health Check

  • Detailed location analysis of code & architecture
  • Preparation of a renovation plan with prioritization
  • Sparring on equal terms with your team
  • Result: Concrete roadmap & cost indication
  • Hard facts: Duration 3 weeks | Investment €30,000–60,000
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Software modernization

  • Implementation of the target vision (architecture & tech stack)
  • Application of proven patterns (e.g., Strangler Fig)
  • Iterative renewal without interruption of operations
  • Aktives "Team Programming" und Know-how-Transfer
  • Mode: Joint implementation or empowerment
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Long-term further development

  • Flexible scaling (MaibornWolff or in-house)
  • Support with recruiting and team building
  • Establishment of clean code & quality gates
  • Gradual, secure transfer of responsibility
  • Goal: Long-term maintainability & independence
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Strategic approaches to software modernization

Depending on the condition of the legacy system and your business objectives, we select the appropriate strategy for your project. There are essentially three main approaches:

  • Step-by-step modernization (evolutionary rewrite)

    With this method, the outdated software is gradually replaced with new code. This enables continuous improvement without interrupting operations. The risk is minimized because the system remains productive throughout the entire process.

  • Complete redevelopment (Big Bang)

    This involves completely revising or rewriting the entire code of the software in one go. This approach is necessary if the architecture is so outdated that there is no basis for further development. Often, the entire tech stack is also replaced with current technologies.

  • Selective renovation (partial renewal)

    This method focuses on supplementing or replacing specific, critical parts of the software, while leaving the stable core unchanged. This approach is particularly suitable when budgets or time frames are very limited and only acute bottlenecks need to be resolved.

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 consultation and assessment

Our collaboration begins with your specific problem. In a brief, focused discussion, we assess the modernization effort and clarify your specific business goals.

2. The Software Health Check

3. Roadmap & freedom of choice

4. Joint implementation & empowerment

Technical methods and principles for software modernization

Regardless of which strategic route you choose, you will receive a smooth and efficient modernization – supported by our proven tools. Here are the key approaches we use:

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Strangler Pattern

In the Strangler Pattern (also known as the Strangler Fig Pattern), new functionalities are developed and integrated in parallel with the old, running software. As soon as a new functionality is implemented, this part of the new software goes live. The old software function is gradually replaced by the new one without a complete switchover all at once (Big Bang). This enables early feedback and minimizes risk, as two software systems are in operation at the same time.

Domain Driven Design (DDD)

Test Driven Development (TDD)

Golden Master Test

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. Trust MaibornWolff to make your system future-proof and efficient.

Get a free consultation

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.

A small selection of our customers

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