Modernizing legacy IT does not mean redoing everything.
It means linking the right things efficiently.
In many companies, IT systems have been running for years – mostly stable, but at their performance limits. Although new tools such as Microsoft Teams are available, outdated technology is often still at the core. So how can the balancing act between protecting existing structures and future viability be achieved?
We talked to Steffen Kopany, Head of Software Development at LinkThat, about modernization, architecture decisions and the role of collaboration at eye level.
What do you particularly notice about legacy IT in customer projects?
Many companies are still working with single-server solutions that were set up 10 to 15 years ago. Although the operating systems are updated, the applications running on them use outdated technologies such as SOAP or .NET in a version that is no longer supported.
Why is modernization so difficult - even if new tools are already available?
Legacy structures are deeply rooted in everyday life. The right concept is often missing – simply adding a new tool is not enough. If you want to modernize sustainably, you need more: a vision, a plan – and the courage to question processes.
Where do you start technically when you modernize systems?
Ideally at the very beginning – with the processes and goals. What does the company really want to achieve? And what is the ideal way to get there? Only when this is known, can the infrastructure, interfaces and architecture be considered. The basis is always a complete requirements document, including the vision of a goal. Without a plan, no technology makes more sense – it’s like asking “wind turbines or hydroelectric power plant” without knowing where a plant is needed.
What role do technologies such as containerization or virtualization play in this?
Containers are a very flexible tool for extending an architecture quickly and easily – as long as it fits the existing environment. In principle, you shouldn’t limit yourself by sticking to certain technologies, but rather find the right solution for the respective context.
Many companies still use traditional telephone systems.
What is your approach to integrate these channels?
We focus on the customer’s needs. The aim is not to replace existing systems across the board,
but to connect them in an intelligent way. Our strength lies in optimizing technical options to meet
customer requirements while also taking the customer’s limitations into account.
How does the integration of Microsoft Teams into legacy IT structures work from your perspective?
Many customers have functioning telephony systems that cannot be replaced directly. And they don’t have to necessarily. We want to embed teams in a technically sensible way. This means, for example, that agents can accept calls in Teams, but the same number and routing logic is used as before. Teams integration works well if you don’t add it as a new tool on top, but see it as a bridge. With a clean technical foundation that takes the customer’s reality into account.
How does the collaboration with companies work?
As close as possible – many projects do not work without good communication.
We don’t start immediately with the implementation, instead we first help to identify the requirements.
Thanks to our many years of experience, we often bring topics to the table that
were previously unknown to the customer.
What advice would you give to companies that are still
hesitating when it comes to modernizing legacy IT?
In general, I would say: have more courage to have a vision and focus on the big picture,
instead of focusing exclusively on individual projects.
Modernizing legacy IT
Legacy systems need maintenance, structure and perspective. A modern IT structure, on the other hand, does not mean “everything new”, but “better connected”. With a well thought-out approach, established structures can be developed further without tearing them apart. And this is precisely where we at LinkThat provide support – with experience, technology and a clear view of what is actually feasible.
Is your IT structure up to date? Check here.
Do you have questions on modernization?