Part of Digital Product & Engineering
Modernisation
We move ageing core systems onto modern foundations step by step, without stopping the business that depends on them.
Legacy systems usually hold the most valuable data and the most knowledge nobody wrote down. Replacing them in one big bang is rarely wise; we modernise in stages, keeping operations running at every step.
When to call us. Signs it’s time for this work.
- Only a few people understand how a critical system works.
- Vendor support for your core platform is coming to an end.
- Simple changes take months and carry high risk.
- New digital channels cannot connect to back-office systems.
What’s included. Scoped to your context, delivered end to end.
- 01
Legacy assessment
A clear view of your application estate: what to keep, rework, replace or retire, and in what order.
- 02
Incremental migration
Strangler-pattern migrations that move functionality piece by piece, with parallel running and rollback at each stage.
- 03
Data migration
Cleansing, mapping and reconciling data so nothing is lost and records can be trusted after cutover.
- 04
Cloud readiness
Re-platforming applications for cloud or hybrid hosting, respecting data residency and regulatory requirements.
How we work. Four phases, with value at every step.
- 1
3–4 weeks
Assess
We inventory systems, dependencies and risks, and interview the people who keep them running.
- 2
2–3 weeks
Plan
A phased roadmap sets priorities by business value and risk, with costs and cutover options.
- 3
Phased
Migrate
Each phase moves a defined slice of functionality, tested against the old system before switching.
- 4
2–4 weeks
Decommission
Old components are retired safely, data archived and licences ended once the new service is proven.
What you walk away with
- Application portfolio assessment
- Target architecture blueprint
- Phased modernisation roadmap
- Data migration and reconciliation plan
- Cutover and rollback runbooks
What changes
- Core systems that change at the pace of business
- Reduced operational and vendor lock-in risk
- Knowledge captured, not held by individuals
Where we do this work. Sectors where this service matters most.
- Financial ServicesBanks, insurers and asset managers modernising for a digital, regulated and increasingly competitive market.
- Public SectorGovernment bodies and agencies delivering simpler, more trusted public services.
- Energy & UtilitiesEnergy producers, networks and utilities navigating the energy transition.
Common questions.
Should we rewrite from scratch?
Rarely. Full rewrites tend to run late and lose hidden business rules. We usually recommend incremental replacement, but will advise a rewrite when the evidence supports it.
Will operations be disrupted?
We plan every phase to avoid it, using parallel running, rehearsed cutovers and agreed rollback points, scheduled around your peak periods.
Can you work with our ERP or core banking vendor?
Yes. We regularly work alongside software vendors and integrators, acting in your interest to keep scope, quality and timelines honest.
More in Digital Product & Engineering. Offerings that often run together.
- Product strategy & discoveryWe help you decide what to build, for whom and why, before significant budget is committed.
- Experience designWe design services, interfaces and journeys that people understand at first use, on any device or connection.
- Software engineeringCross-functional teams that build secure, maintainable software and hand it over in a state your people can run.
Discuss Modernisation
Tell us where you are. We’ll tell you honestly whether and how we can help.