An assessment conceptual framework for the modernization of legacy systems

Legacy systems modernization is one of the most common issues for enterprise organizations. As technology is changing rapidly, enterprises need to upgrade legacy systems and provide suitable modernization. To make valid decisions on the choice of modernization strategy and achieve a successful evolutionary system, it requires addressing the full modernization project life cycle. In this paper, we propose a Legacy System Assessment Conceptual Framework (LSACF) based on quality metrics. LSACF presents a strategy including a methodological approach and supporting functional toolkit to help maintainers in the evolution process. Further, it provides an analysis composed of four phases. Firstly, qualification phase of LSACF defines the starting moment of legacy system transformation, the legacy system program and its roadmap, and identifies the appropriate modernization approaches. Secondly, selection phase selects the most suitable evolution strategy based on multi criteria optimization algorithm. Then, transition phase verifies the correctness of the evolution process. Finally, validation phase verifies that the claimed benefits have been achieved or not. Our methodology is applied in the context of a legacy ERP system.