Parallel operation in software release: A balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages

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The decision to replace a old software is an inevitable step in the digital transformation for many companies.

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The decision to replace a old software is an inevitable step in the digital transformation for many companies.

Outdated systems, often referred to as legacy systems, can become a brake pad for innovation and growth.

But how to make the transition to a new software solution as smooth and safe as possible? A proven method is parallel operation.

In this article, we highlight the benefits and disadvantages of this strategy and point out when it is the right choice for your company.

What is a parallel operation?

In the context of the software migration, parallel operation is understood as a transition phase in which the old and the new system are operated simultaneously.

Instead of an abrupt change in which the old system is switched off on a puncture day and the new system is switched live (known as the "Big Bang".

Approach), parallel operation enables a smoother transition. Users work with both systems during this time.

And the results are steadily compared to ensure the features and reliability of the new application.

The advantages of parallel operation

The decision for parallel operation brings with it a number of benefits, which come to bear in specific in business-critical applications.

• Minimated risk: The biggest advantage of parallel operation is risk mitigation.

  Since the old system continues to act as a kind of safety net, the effects of errors or problems in the new system are significantly lower.

  The business is not interrupted and there is enough time to fix any child's illnesses of the new software.

• Complete quality assurance: The direct comparison of the work results from both systems enables complete quality assurance. Deviations and errors can be quickly identified and corrected.

  This process ensures that the new system has at least the same, if not even a higher accuracy and reliability than the old system.

• Running optimization options: During the parallel phase valuable insights about the performance and user-friendliness of the new system can be gained.

  Feedback from users can flow directly into the optimization process to better adapt the software to the specific needs of the company.

• Step training of employees: The introduction of a new software always means a changeover for employees.

  Parallel operation allows users to become familiar with the new functions and workflows gradually and in a less stressful environment.

  The old system is still available as a reference, which clearly flattens the learning curve

References and further reading

The following separate references complement the topics in this article:

• Bitkom – German digital industry association.
• German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
• European Commission – Digital strategy.
• MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
• W3C – World Wide Web Consortium.

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In short. The decision to replace a old software is an inevitable step in the digital transformation for many companies. Outdated systems, often referred to as legacy systems...

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Useful for project leads and product owners in Software development who must choose between standard software, custom development, and integration.

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Technically and organizationally, alignment with experienced partners pays off — from requirements to operations; start with the [services overview](/en/services/software-development). For multi-system landscapes, [IT consulting and architecture](/en/services/it-consulting) helps align vendors and internal teams.

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