We help UK businesses modernise software that has become slow, risky or expensive to maintain. Whether it's an unsupported .NET Framework or PHP application, an AngularJS front end or an on-premise system that needs to move to the cloud, we assess it, recommend the lowest-risk route and modernise it in stages, so your business keeps running throughout.
- Assessment before commitment
- Staged, low-disruption delivery
- Cloud, web and mobile skills
- You own the code
What legacy application modernisation means
Legacy application modernisation, sometimes spelt modernization, is the work of bringing older software up to date so it's secure, supported, easier to change and cheaper to run. It isn't always a rewrite. Often the best value comes from upgrading the framework, moving to the cloud or replacing the weakest parts first.
We start with an honest assessment of your code, infrastructure, data and integrations, then recommend the approach that balances cost, risk and long-term value. You get a clear roadmap before committing to a larger project.
Common modernisation projects we handle
.NET Framework to modern .NET
Upgrading Web Forms, MVC and WCF applications to supported .NET versions.
PHP upgrades
Moving older PHP versions and frameworks to supported releases, often with Laravel.
AngularJS replacement
AngularJS reached end of support in 2022; we migrate front ends to Angular or React.
Desktop to web
Turning desktop, Access or spreadsheet-based tools into secure web applications.
On-premise to cloud
Moving applications and databases off ageing servers to AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.
Monolith to services
Breaking large applications into smaller services where it genuinely helps scale or release speed.
Mobile app upgrades
Migrating Xamarin and outdated native apps to supported frameworks.
Database modernisation
Upgrading unsupported database versions and moving to managed cloud databases.
UI and UX refresh
Modern, accessible interfaces on top of existing business logic.
Modernisation approaches compared
There's no single right answer. Most projects combine several approaches across different parts of a system.
| Approach | What it means | Effort and risk | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehost | Move to new infrastructure, such as the cloud, with minimal code changes | Low | Servers are ageing but the application works well |
| Replatform | Small changes to use managed databases, containers or newer runtimes | Low to medium | You want quick gains in cost, security or reliability |
| Upgrade | Move to a supported version of the framework or language | Medium | The technology is out of support but the design is sound |
| Refactor or re-architect | Restructure the code, for example into modules or services | Medium to high | Changes are slow and the system needs to scale |
| Rebuild | Rewrite the application on a modern stack, often in stages | High | The code is very hard to maintain or no longer fits the business |
| Replace | Switch to an off-the-shelf or SaaS product | Varies | The process is standard and nothing about it differentiates you |
| Retire or retain | Switch off unused parts, or leave stable parts as they are | Low | Some features are unused or still work well |
If rebuilding is the right answer, see our bespoke software development services.
How we keep your business running
The biggest risk in modernisation is disrupting systems your team and customers rely on every day. We plan for that from the start, favouring incremental change over big-bang switchovers.
- Automated tests that capture current behaviour before changes
- Replacing one part at a time, with old and new running side by side
- Rehearsed data migrations with reconciliation checks
- Feature flags and staged rollouts
- Clear rollback plans for every release
- Documentation and knowledge transfer as we go
Our modernisation process
Assessment
Code, infrastructure, data, integrations and risks reviewed.
Roadmap
Recommended approach, phases, costs and quick wins.
Safety net
Tests, monitoring and environments set up first.
Modernise in stages
Two-week sprints, with each stage released safely.
Migrate data
Rehearsed, verified data migration.
Decommission
Old components switched off once replaced.
Support
Monitoring, patching and ongoing improvements.
Legacy modernisation costs
Indicative UK ranges, excluding VAT. Your quote depends on the size and condition of the code, data and integrations.
| Project | Typically includes | Typical cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment and roadmap | Code and infrastructure review, options, costs and plan | £3,000 – £10,000 | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Rehost or replatform | Cloud move, containerisation, managed database | £10,000 – £40,000 | 4 – 12 weeks |
| Framework upgrade or refactor | Supported versions, code restructuring, testing | £20,000 – £80,000 | 2 – 6 months |
| Re-architect or staged rebuild | Services, new front end, data migration, phased releases | £40,000 – £150,000+ | 4 – 12 months+ |
See our software development cost guide for more on what drives cost.
Start with a modernisation assessment
Tell us about your system and what's holding you back. We'll review it and recommend the lowest-risk route, with costs in GBP.
Technologies we modernise from and to
| Area | From (legacy) | To (modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Back end | .NET Framework, classic ASP, older PHP, legacy Java | Modern .NET, Laravel, Node.js, Spring Boot |
| Front end | AngularJS, jQuery, Web Forms, desktop UIs | Angular, React, Next.js, Blazor |
| Mobile | Xamarin, outdated native apps | .NET MAUI, Flutter, React Native |
| Data | Unsupported SQL Server or MySQL, Access | Supported SQL Server, PostgreSQL, managed cloud databases |
| Infrastructure | On-premise servers, manual deployments | AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, containers, CI/CD |
Choosing a cloud? Read our AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud guide, or see our DevOps consulting services.
What modernisation can deliver
Lower security risk
Supported software that receives security updates.
Faster changes
Cleaner code and automated testing make new features quicker and safer.
Lower running costs
Fewer licences and ageing servers to maintain.
Easier integrations
Modern APIs connect your system to other tools.
Better user experience
Faster, accessible interfaces for staff and customers.
Easier hiring
Current technologies are easier to find developers for.
Ways to work with us
Fixed-price assessment
A clear review and roadmap before any larger commitment.
Project delivery
We deliver the modernisation in agreed stages.
Developers in your team
Specialists who work alongside your developers.
Legacy modernisation FAQs
What is legacy application modernisation?
Legacy application modernisation is the process of updating older software so it is secure, supported, easier to change and cheaper to run. It can range from moving an application to the cloud with minimal changes, to upgrading its framework, restructuring it into services, or rebuilding it on a modern technology stack.
How do I know if my application needs modernising?
Common signs include software or frameworks that are out of vendor support, rising maintenance costs, difficulty finding developers, slow performance, security concerns, and problems integrating with modern tools. A short assessment can confirm which issues matter most and what to tackle first.
How much does legacy modernisation cost in the UK?
As a guide, an assessment and roadmap typically costs £3,000 to £10,000, rehosting or replatforming a single application £10,000 to £40,000, and refactoring or re-architecting a larger system £40,000 to £150,000 or more. Costs depend on the size and condition of the code, data migration and integrations.
How long does modernisation take?
An assessment usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Small upgrades or rehosting projects can take a few weeks, while larger refactoring or rebuild programmes typically run for several months and are delivered in stages.
Can you modernise without disrupting the business?
Usually, yes. We favour incremental approaches, such as replacing one part of a system at a time, running old and new components side by side, and migrating data in rehearsed stages, so day-to-day operations continue while the system is modernised.
Should we modernise or rebuild from scratch?
It depends on the value and condition of the existing system. If the business logic is sound, upgrading or refactoring is often lower risk and cheaper. If the code is very hard to maintain or no longer fits the business, a staged rebuild may be better. An assessment helps you compare the options.
Do you modernise .NET Framework, PHP and AngularJS applications?
Yes. Common projects include moving .NET Framework applications to modern .NET, upgrading old PHP versions and frameworks, replacing AngularJS front ends with Angular or React, and migrating Xamarin apps to supported cross-platform frameworks.
Can you move legacy applications to the cloud?
Yes. We can move applications to AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud, either as they are or with changes to take advantage of managed services, containers and automated deployment.
Will we own the modernised code?
Yes. Full ownership of the source code, documentation and deployment configuration is transferred to you.
Ready to modernise your legacy system?
Tell us what you're running and what's holding you back. We'll recommend the lowest-risk route and send an itemised GBP proposal.
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