The need for innovative technologies and intuitive business solutions is increasing in the digital world.
Not to mention your systems and software can make or break the deal when it comes to adapting to new challenges, business growth, and increased competitiveness.
However, you might have many legacy systems in your organization that are problematic to maintain and integrate with other systems. They may hold back your business operations relying on them.
So, do you think replacing them entirely is the best option out there? 
Think again.

It’s because those systems handle some of the crucial business processes, and you would never want to just let go of them when there are other options available.
That’s where the legacy system modernization comes into the picture.
If you face some legacy challenges, first understand the problem you want to solve. Next, follow some of the approaches that I’ll be covering in this article to upgrade those systems and improve them without disrupting any internal process.
But first, understand some basic things that will help you understand the legacy modernization approaches better.
So, let’s explore!

​Digitization has swept across the world and has changed almost every industry – one such primary industry is the Real Estate. Gone are the days where you had to refer to newspapers and circle out the properties that you are interested in or find worthy agents to search your dream home. It’s time to welcome Real Estate 2.0! 

According to a real estate report, 

• 80% of all home buyers are searching online
• 83% of home buyers see pictures of the property online
• 52% of the prospects used an iPhone in their home search
• 49% of the leads come via referrals
• 91% of realtors use social media to list real estate properties
• 33% of first-time buyers research for real estate properties online

Reference Site: https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/reports/2017/2017-real-estate-in-a-digital-age-03-10-2017.pdf
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In this digital age, companies and businesses small and large are on the path to digitization. Imagine dealing with a company that doesn’t have its own website or its own social networking pages. Today, a company’s digital presence is extremely crucial to attract clients and new business. So, how does it help them? Let’s take an example of a clothing brand.
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Initially a company’s presence relied on instinct, experience or basic market search to promote their clothing brand. But today, it is all about offering the best discounts and good quality clothes at the customer’s doorstep. Not only that, they also provide a return policy that ensures that the customer feels safe to purchase their clothes online. In today’s digital presence, a customer can even upload his/her picture on the app/website and virtual understand the fit or an image of how they would look in that clothing. 

​Over the past decade, there has been a wave of digital transformation, which has fundamentally changed how organizations conduct their operations. A company goes through a metamorphosis with technology at its core to create new forms of business practices and added customer value. 
These digital challenges compel traditional officials to harness new ways of delivering greater customer satisfaction and more personalized experiences. This also helps companies survive in this largely competitive global market.
Superlative customer experience is of great importance for any business today and in order to successfully go digital, an organization needs to equip its infrastructure to handle the necessary demands and changes of the transformative initiatives. Companies need to focus on modernization of their core processes, systems and age old infrastructure on every aspect and level of operations 

​Centuries ago transport meant travelling by horse and carriage. From then the automotive industry has revolutionized with the help of many technological advancements. The digital wave is expanding this revolution even more. The internet, smartphone, wireless networks and communication has made things convenient and changed consumer expectations.
Trends in the market are transforming the automotive industry with the change cycle starting with the highly empowered consumer. Customers are now well versed with the digital changes and benefits they offer in all walks of life. For them technology, including cars is not only about the purpose they serve but about a heightened experience. 

The digital revolution sweeping the globe has created opportunities for companies to fundamentally change and evolve their business model. It has unlocked a more customer centric, personalized, profit increasing, innovative and safety oriented opportunities for businesses.
In this changing market, the challenges faced by companies need to be tackled and addressed on priority. Many companies have been operating the same way for decades. Yet, they need to digitize their core processes to keep pace in this competitive market.
Let us look at the mining industry where change is now setting in quickly. Physical products and capital intensive supply chains are now being digitally assisted with technologies like:

• Automation
• Data analysis
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Drones
• Artificial Intelligence
• 3D printing
• Seismic monitoring 

Digitization is the most important change in our constantly changing world. These innovations and technologies have helped change and develop new systems, apps and even devices which help people in business and their personal life.
The wave of digital transformation is now visible all over the world in different industries like healthcare, banking, media and entertainment. However the most effects are seen and felt in the tourism and hospitality industry which seems to have been turned topsy-turvy.
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Digital transformation altered the operations and customer relations of the tourism industry. Customers no longer stand in lines and queues to book flight tickets, hotels, or even make dinner reservations. It is all done with a few clicks of the button in a fraction of the time it would normally take.
It is safe to say, the travel industry was one of the first to adopt digital transformation and its positive impact can be seen today. In this new digital environment, consumer expectations are not what they used to be. They are now set very high due to the innovative disruptions like virtual reality, artificial reality, Internet of things, mobile bookings and even online payments 

​“We are all now connected by the Internet, like neurons in a giant brain”
--Stephen Hawking

​The world today is more connected than it has ever been before. Technology is advancing at an exponential rate and it is bringing people together like a small global village. Thanks to these technologies, a consumer’s role and demands are shifting in the marketplace. New trends are setting in which influence and sway a customer’s expectations.
Every few years, new technology is introduced in the market. Digitally the world is constantly evolving with newer software. For example,

• Web 2.0/3.0
• Augmented reality
• Contextual marketing
• Artificial intelligence
• Big Data

In order for companies to remain competitive, organizations must upgrade and evolve their digital transformation drive to focus on the new areas of technology. BlockChain is one such technology which has had an enormous impact on the market. 

​Digital transformation is best explained as implementation of new technology to accelerate operations, sales, customer service, back office productivity and business growth. Each organization has its own processes and supply chains. Management of this supply chain has improved, due to advancements in:

• Logistics
• Infrastructure
• Communications
• IT

Source: https://www.scmr.com/article/preparing_the_supply_chain_for_digital_transformation
Digital technology is enabling companies to improve performance at a modest cost. This technology is being integrated into all aspects of business from backend payroll to production management and even security. The appeal of these technologies has led to many companies hastily implementing changes and new projects.
In all honesty, companies would fare better and reap greater benefits if they create a vision and a comprehensive plan prior to undertaking a digital transformation. A long term road map would need to be outlined and accordingly implemented. 

Evolution and change is a part of daily life. It is essential for survival and for progress. Since the invention of the internet, nearly 30 years ago, there has been rapid and significant development in the digital world. We live in a world where, what was once science fiction is now a part of our daily life. For example;

• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• Internet of things
• Cloud storage
• Self-driving cars
• Cyber security

Digital transformations have impacted everything from daily life, everyday tasks, social behaviour, business opportunities as well as education.The digital wave has not only changed how people get tasks completed, but their outlook towards the experience and expectations as a consumer have drastically changed as well.