This article is published in collaboration with the Digital Transformation and AI Awards and Summit. These are two separate B2B events organised by 31 Media. If you wish to exhibit your tech solutions or to advertise your brand at the event, please get in touch at +44 (0)203 931 5827. In this article, you’ll learn how to build a transformation path for your business using modern platforms.

Author: Aron Ezra, Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Plan A Technologies.

There’s only so long you can go without meaningfully updating your software and technical infrastructure…make sure you don’t wait until it’s too late.

It’s hard to argue with that statement. Yet you’d be surprised how many organisations not only ignore opportunities to modernise and use modern platforms but wait until they’re in serious trouble before even beginning to address major legacy technology issues. (And this is trouble with a capital T: a major security breach discovered, a crash that shuts down everything, massive data loss, and more.)

Sadly, I’ve seen it many times. Regardless of the location or the industry, we all too frequently encounter legacy tech that should have been retired long ago. Hey, I get it. Addressing this situation can seem overwhelming (though it doesn’t have to be). Plus you have so many other issues to address that it’s easy to ignore something that appears to be running smoothly (emphasis on appears).

But it would help if you took action, ideally sooner rather than later. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Why should you include modern platforms?

Want your organisation to be more efficient? Or safer? Or more scalable? Or do you want to reduce costs? Using modern platforms for your existing tech can help you achieve all of those goals. It pays to know what your options are, particularly if you want to handle modernisation in-house. It’s equally important to stay up to date on the latest tech news to understand changing preferences, new approaches, and new vulnerabilities that are discovered. (That said, even if you’re not personally up-to-date, you can still take action: You just need to find an outside firm you’re genuinely confident in since you rely heavily on their expertise. More on in-house vs. getting outside help shortly.)

Regular tech audits are a must

You don’t have a single encouraging doctor’s visit and conclude, Cool! I’m now healthy forever. So why would it be that way with your tech infrastructure? All companies should be conducting annual audits of their technology just like you get annual physicals. This is the easiest way to flag opportunities and problems early, as opposed to waiting until a small problem has become a life-threatening one.  (It can also be a good way to reduce your insurance premiums). 

Data can show you where to go

As noted, modernisation can seem overwhelming… and if you’re already in a crisis, you can feel even more lost at sea. So let data highlight the areas that need to be addressed first. There may even be some happy discoveries, as you locate underutilised resources or ways to be more efficient.

Users can help you figure out if you’re on the right path

For most organisations, the ultimate goal of their technology is to help/please/inspire end users. So why not check in with them and see how it’s going? Encouraging feedback from end users helps you build what you need to build while spotting problems along the way.  Many initial modernisation assessments uncover more recommended actions than an organisation can afford at one time… user feedback can help with prioritising what to tackle first. 

Learn about lifespans

How long should your current platform last? And how long will your favourite replacement be around? Knowing the answers to both questions is a simple (but extremely important!) step to avoid a collapse. Many different programming languages, frameworks and platforms are deprecated after a while, and it’s critical to keep track of if you’re relying on solutions that are no longer being supported by the people who created them.

Using modern platforms in-house vs. looking outside

I’ve been emphasising how easy things are, but I’ll admit this decision can be a little complicated. That said, if you get it right, it can save you money. To start, do you have the personnel capable of modernisation already in-house? If you don’t, is it worth bringing them on board permanently? Or does it make more sense for them to do the job and move along? A lot depends on the kind of company you are, and the kind of help you need. A good specialist can help you navigate this decision-making process.

Whatever specific approach to modernisation you select, take heart in knowing that you not only have the power to prevent a nightmare but to convert it into a pretty amazing opportunity.

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