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Technical Whitepaper · 45+ Pages

Architecture Decisions in Legacy Modernization

Pattern catalog, decision frameworks and real-world examples for the systematic modernization of legacy systems. From Strangler Fig to database migration.

Microservices vs. MonolithDatabase MigrationTesting StrategiesGDPRCI/CD
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Who Is This Whitepaper For?

Software Architects

Pattern catalog and decision matrices for well-founded architecture decisions.

CTOs & Tech Leads

Strategic frameworks for build-vs-buy-vs-migrate decisions with budget planning.

Senior Developers

Concrete implementation patterns, testing strategies and code examples.

Detailed Outline

9 Chapters · 37 Sections · Decision Frameworks, Pattern Catalog, Checklists

1

Introduction: The Modernization Dilemma

  • 1.1 Why Modernization Fails: The 5 Most Common Causes
  • 1.2 Big-Bang vs. Incremental Migration: A Decision Framework
  • 1.3 Total Cost of Ownership: The True Cost of Not Modernizing
  • 1.4 Stakeholder Analysis: Aligning Technology, Management and Users
2

Architecture Patterns for Migration

  • 2.1 Strangler Fig Pattern: Gradual Replacement in Production
  • 2.2 Anti-Corruption Layer: Bridging the Old and New World
  • 2.3 Microservices vs. Modular Monolith: When to Use Which Approach?
  • 2.4 Event-Driven Architecture: Loose Coupling as a Migration Strategy
  • 2.5 Decision Matrix: Pattern Selection by System Complexity
3

Database Migration

  • 3.1 Schema Evolution: From Monolithic DB to Domain Model
  • 3.2 Dual-Write and Change Data Capture: Data Consistency During Migration
  • 3.3 Access → SQL Server → Cloud: A Typical Migration Path
  • 3.4 Data Quality and Cleansing: Eliminating Legacy Issues Before Migration
  • 3.5 Rollback Strategies: When the Migration Goes Wrong
4

Frontend Modernization

  • 4.1 Desktop → Web: Migrating WinForms/WPF to React/Angular
  • 4.2 Micro-Frontends: Gradual UI Replacement
  • 4.3 API-First: Decoupling Backend and Frontend
  • 4.4 UX Migration: Preserving User Habits While Improving Experience
5

Testing Strategies for Legacy Migrations

  • 5.1 Characterization Tests: Documenting Existing Behavior
  • 5.2 Golden Master Testing: Regression Detection Without Specification
  • 5.3 Contract Testing: Securing Interfaces Between Old and New
  • 5.4 Performance Baselines: Ensuring the New Solution Is Faster
  • 5.5 Test Automation From Day One: CI/CD Pipeline for Migrations
6

Infrastructure and Deployment

  • 6.1 Containerization: Docker as a Migration Tool
  • 6.2 Parallel Operation: Running Old and New in Production Simultaneously
  • 6.3 Feature Flags: Risk Mitigation Through Gradual Rollout
  • 6.4 Monitoring and Observability: Detecting Issues Before Users Report Them
7

Security and Compliance

  • 7.1 GDPR Compliance: Embedding Data Protection in the New Architecture
  • 7.2 Security by Design: OWASP Top 10 in the Migration Process
  • 7.3 Audit Trail: Documenting Migration Traceability
  • 7.4 Maintaining Certifications: ISO 27001, SOC 2 During Migration
8

Case Studies and Lessons Learned

  • 8.1 Case Study: Delphi ERP → .NET Web App in 18 Months
  • 8.2 Case Study: VB6 Warehouse Management → Cloud-Native Solution
  • 8.3 Case Study: Access Database → PostgreSQL with Zero Downtime
  • 8.4 The 10 Most Important Lessons Learned from 50+ Migration Projects
9

Decision Framework and Checklists

  • 9.1 The Modernization Scorecard: Objectively Evaluating Your System
  • 9.2 Build vs. Buy vs. Migrate: Decision Tree
  • 9.3 Checklist: Go/No-Go for Migration Launch
  • 9.4 Budget Template: Realistic Cost Planning for Migration Projects

Frequently Asked Questions About the Whitepaper

Who is this whitepaper intended for?
For CTOs, software architects and technical decision-makers facing legacy modernization who want to make well-founded architecture decisions.
Which architecture patterns are covered?
The whitepaper covers Strangler Fig Pattern, Branch by Abstraction, Microservices Extraction, Event-Driven Architecture and the Anti-Corruption Layer Pattern.
Are there practical examples?
Yes, each chapter contains at least one real-world example from actual modernization projects, including decision matrices and lessons learned.
How comprehensive is the whitepaper?
The whitepaper comprises 9 chapters with 37 sections and covers the entire modernization process – from the initial architecture decision to the go-live strategy.
Is the whitepaper free?
Yes, the whitepaper is available free of charge. You can request it directly through our website.

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45+ pages of concentrated expertise from over 50 legacy migration projects. Decision frameworks, pattern catalog, checklists and real-world examples.

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Whitepaper: Architecture Decisions in Legacy Modernization