The concepts of joined-up IT and web services are powerful tools for business innovation and cost reduction, but uptake of these technologies is often hindered by existing inflexible (legacy) systems and high costs.

The Guidelines, Evaluating Legacy, a Modern Approach examine the typical driving forces behind legacy modernisation projects, identify potential solutions, and review business benefits and business risks.

Of particular significance is the recognition of ‘legacy evolution’ as an established concept, which entails the core logic of legacy systems being brought into line with current requirements, and then ‘evolved’ in real-time going forward.

Martin Rice, CEO of Erudine, said: “The burden of legacy is something that cannot be ignored. In a world that is becoming far more competitive, businesses need to become agile and to achieve this the underpinning IT infrastructure needs to be capable of evolution, adapting to the commercial opportunities faster than the competition.”

The Guidelines also explore the technical challenges involved and how new approaches seek to reduce the time, risk and cost traditionally associated with legacy modernisation. The Guidelines were co-authored by Erudine, an NCC member organisation that specialises in legacy migration.

Michael Dean, NCC’s Director of Advisory Services said: “Organisations are often fearful of moving away from legacy despite the benefits of new techonology; these Guidelines also discuss the boardroom shift which sees legacy as a business constraint, rather than just an IT problem.”

The National Computing Centre (NCC) is the leading cross-sector corporate membership body in the UK IT sector. NCC provides independent advice, guidance and expertise to help IT decision-makers to deliver effective solutions.

Erudine offers a unique alternative to the time, cost and risk involved in the traditional approach to legacy. Erudine’s core technology, the Erudine Behaviour Engine (EBE) is an enterprise-grade run time and integrated development environment that allows legacy systems to be migrated, modernised and evolved without risk.

The Guidelines can be downloaded for free here.

Topics: Britain, environmental evaluation, ICT, International, NCC, technology, UK