Software modernisation
Outdated software systems stifle innovation, increase risks and hinder the further development of business-critical applications. XITASO supports companies in modernising complex software landscapes – from thorough analysis to sustainable implementation.
AI-SUPPORTED. EXPERT-LED.
- AI accelerates analysis, documentation and implementation
- Our experts manage and evaluate the entire process
- Automation creates space for the decisive tasks
- The result: more efficient modernisation without loss of control
What XITASO can do for you
From the initial assessment to long-term innovation capability – our offering covers the entire modernisation path. Fixed price, fixed scope, calculable risk.
1
Modernisation assessment
“Should you modernise, and how?”
A fixed-scope engagement, time-limited – typically 2–4 weeks. We inventory your system, assess architecture and code quality, and deliver a clear, evidence-based recommendation.
- Architecture snapshot & quality findings
- Requirements & process documentation
- Renovate/renew/replace matrix
- Roadmap & business case
Fixed price · Fixed scope · Low risk
2
Iterative modernisation
“Modernise step by step to reduce risk.”
Building on the assessment, we modernise your system step by step – without jeopardising ongoing operations. AI significantly accelerates documentation, refactoring and migration.
- Incremental refactoring & migration
- Strangler fig pattern & modularisation
- Continuous quality assurance
- Transparent milestone management
AI-accelerated · Secure · Measurable
3
Innovate
“Innovation on the modernised foundation.”
The modernised system is the stable foundation for new features, AI integration and digital innovation. You benefit from an architecture that enables change rather than preventing it.
- AI & cloud integration
- New feature development
- Agile further development
- Long-term software fitness
Future-proof · Scalable · Agile
“Software modernisation has never been as straightforward as it is today. AI opens up entirely new possibilities for us to analyse existing systems more efficiently, develop them in a targeted manner and make them fit for the future.“
Michael Brunner
Software Developer
XITASO
Why modernise now?
Many companies underestimate the hidden costs of outdated systems. Technical debt accumulates over the years – until the system becomes a genuine brake on growth.
!Rising maintenance costs
~70% of the IT budget flows into maintaining existing systems rather than developing new features.
!Loss of system knowledge
Retirements and staff turnover cause critical know-how to disappear – often unnoticed until it is too late.
!Stifled innovation
New features, AI integration or cloud migration fail due to outdated architectures and unsupported frameworks.
!Growing security risks
Unmaintained dependencies and a lack of containerisation open entry points for attackers.
Typical warning signs
Do any of these sound familiar?
• New features take disproportionately long
• Only a few people still understand the system
• Tests are barely automated or missing entirely
• The system runs on .NET Framework, AngularJS, WinForms or legacy PLC
• Documentation is outdated or non-existent
• Security patches are being deferred
• The developer community for your technology is shrinking
An assessment is worthwhile from just 2 applicable points.
AI-supported software modernisation
Proven engineering, accelerated by modern AI methods.
XITASO combines modern AI methods with many years of experience in developing business-critical software. This allows analysis, documentation and modernisation tasks to be significantly accelerated – without compromising on engineering quality. Responsibility for architectural and business decisions always remains with experienced experts.
Areas of Application
- System analysis & reverse engineering
- Automated documentation
- Code transformation & migration
- Test generation
- Requirements & process engineering (BPMN)
Our projects
With our expertise and many years of project experience in software modernisation, we work together with our clients and partners to select the best solution.
Frequently asked questions about software modernisation
What is software modernisation?
Software modernisation refers to the further development of existing software systems to ensure they remain maintainable, high-performing and future-proof in the long term. This includes measures such as refactoring, architecture modernisation, migration to new technologies and the gradual replacement of outdated system components – without jeopardising ongoing operations.
When is software modernisation worthwhile?
Modernisation is worthwhile when maintenance costs are rising, innovation is being stifled or knowledge about existing systems is being lost. Further typical signals include outdated technologies, slow implementation of new requirements and difficulties in integrating modern AI or cloud solutions.
Does a legacy system need to be completely redeveloped?
No. In many cases, gradual modernisation is more economical and less risky than a complete redevelopment. An existing system often contains years of accumulated requirements, workarounds and business logic that could be lost in a complete rewrite. Incremental modernisation preserves this knowledge and keeps the system operational throughout the entire process.
What role does AI play in software modernisation?
AI supports analysis, documentation, test generation and migration. Through the use of modern AI methods, time-consuming tasks such as reverse engineering or code transformation can be significantly accelerated. Responsibility for architectural and business decisions always remains with experienced experts.
What challenges are typical with legacy systems?
The most common issues include:
- Missing documentation and lost system knowledge
- Technical debt from years of deferred improvements
- Outdated technologies and no longer supported frameworks
- Lack of containerisation and security vulnerabilities
- Difficult extensibility and integration of modern solutions
Which systems can be modernised?
In principle, most individually developed business applications can be modernised – regardless of technology or age. Whether production control systems, ERP-adjacent systems, embedded software or web applications: what is decisive is a thorough analysis at the outset to develop the appropriate modernisation strategy.
Does a rewrite not make more sense than software modernisation?
A complete rewrite may seem sensible in certain cases. However, a rewrite carries considerable risks: years of accumulated requirements, workarounds and business logic can be lost. Gradual modernisation, on the other hand, offers risk minimisation, cost control, knowledge retention and flexibility when introducing new technologies.
What are the first steps in modernising a legacy system?
The first step is a comprehensive analysis: an architecture review, an assessment of code quality and the identification of outdated technologies. Our modernisation assessment delivers exactly that – in 2–4 weeks, at a fixed price, with a clear go/no-go recommendation.
How can the architecture be improved during modernisation?
Proven approaches include modularisation, Domain Driven Design (DDD) and the Strangler Fig Pattern. By combining these methods, a more robust, adaptable and future-proof software solution is created.
How can we ensure that the modernised system does not become tomorrow's legacy?
Through continuous improvement processes: regular updates, agile practices (Scrum/Kanban), DevOps culture with CI/CD, systematic reduction of technical debt and regular architecture retrospectives. XITASO supports you even after modernisation.
Do you have questions about software modernisation?
Contact our expert and find out how we can help you in a obligation-free consultation.
Dr. Michael Schackert
Tel. +49 821 885 882 36
michael.schackert@xitaso.com