Deciding whether to update legacy software or rebuild it from scratch can be a complex decision that requires a careful analysis of several factors. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Business Needs: Consider whether the current software is meeting the current and future business needs. If it’s no longer meeting these needs or is becoming more challenging to maintain, updating or rebuilding it may be necessary.
- Technical Debt: Assess the level of technical debt in the current software. Technical debt refers to the accumulation of software quality issues such as code complexity, duplication, and non-compliance with industry standards. If the technical debt is high, it might be more effective to rebuild the software than to keep patching it.
- Cost: Consider the cost implications of updating or rebuilding the software. The cost of rebuilding software from scratch might be high, while the cost of updating it may also depend on the amount of technical debt and the number of features you need to add.
- Time: Consider the time it will take to update the software versus rebuilding it from scratch. Updating legacy software may be faster than starting from scratch, but it may not be a long-term solution.
- Compatibility: Consider whether the software is compatible with modern technology or not. Legacy software may not be compatible with the latest hardware or software, which can limit its functionality and usefulness.
- User Experience: Consider the user experience of the software. If the software’s user experience is outdated, updating it may not be enough to meet user needs, and rebuilding it from scratch might be necessary.
In summary, to determine whether to update legacy software or rebuild it from scratch, consider the business needs, technical debt, cost, time, compatibility, and user experience. Once you’ve analyzed these factors, you should be in a better position to make an informed decision that aligns with your organization’s needs. Reach out to the Valtira team of experts to learn more.