In this blog post, we’ll explore network transformation and its role in application modernization. Read about the first pillar of application modernization here.
Hybrid IT and multi-cloud adoption change the boundaries of remote and cloud locations, redefining what’s required of localized data centers and enterprise-wide networks. Historically, legacy systems kept information siloed, and IT teams had to build custom workarounds to bridge the gaps.
In order to keep up with the ever-changing cloud landscape, you must adapt your network to address challenges, including:
- Increasing complexity
- Aging networks
- Accelerated need for network agility
- Evolving application landscape
Your network is the backbone of your business, and as such, network transformation is key to successful cloud implementations.
Benefits of Network Transformation
In order to maximize the value of your cloud-based, virtual network, you need to implement a strategy for orchestration and automation. This approach will help you design new processes to integrate your legacy systems and launch new applications in the cloud.
Benefits of network transformation include:
- Self-service functions for development teams
- Reduced risk
- No vendor lock-in for hardware-based platforms
- Orchestrated and automated integration processes
- Increased quality
Application Modernization Best Practices
Network transformation is just one piece of the application modernization puzzle. But without it, your enterprise won’t be set up for future success.
Your application modernization journey will look different than your competitors’, and that’s ok. There is no “one size fits all” approach for application modernization. Your business needs and goals will define your overall strategy, but by following the below best practices, you’ll be set up for success.
Break up monoliths. Create a comprehensive application modernization roadmap, including organizational structure, servers, network configurations, storage configurations, and how applications will deploy on the servers. Break the roadmap down into components and model all of the necessary networking.
Why? Open source and other tools like containers and cloud APIs enable you to simplify your virtual application environment, making it possible to implement at scale.
Untether applications and infrastructure. Separate all of your enterprise applications from the underlying infrastructure.
Why? Application components can run anywhere. Your development teams won’t need to make changes to the code, and the applications become portable, alleviating vendor lock-in.
Lower cost with components. The application lifecycle is made up of various application environments, versions, and deployments. By cataloging an application into its essential components, it’s easier to create new versions as needed.
Why? Faster integration testing, migration, performance testing, and planning processes.
Build application security into the entire application lifecycle. Plan for the entire service lifecycle, including application modernization and security.
Why? Added security keeps your applications safer during deployment and cuts down on overall development time.
Manage with a modular view. A modular view of an application enables you to manage at the component level and run and test applications in a virtual environment.
Why? Your entire enterprise can stay infrastructure agnostic, opening the door to hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Perficient’s Application Modernization Expertise
The world’s leading brands partner with Perficient because we have the resources to scale major cloud projects and focused expertise for specific areas of your business. We partner with leading technology companies to help Fortune 1000 clients across all industries, and we’ve been recognized by analysts as a top service provider for application modernization and migration.
Contact us today to get started on your application modernization journey.
