Dreamware / Services / Software Engineering / Legacy Modernisation
Legacy Modernisation
Migration, refactoring, system replacement.
About this service
Legacy systems are a rational accumulation of business logic built over time — often more valuable than they appear. The goal of modernisation isn't to throw them away; it's to extract the valuable parts, clean up the rest, and end up with something your team can move fast with.
We approach legacy modernisation with respect for what exists. Before proposing a rewrite, we do the analysis. Sometimes the right answer is targeted refactoring. Sometimes it's a strangler fig migration that replaces the old system incrementally. Rarely is "rewrite everything at once" the right call — but sometimes it is, and we'll tell you honestly when that's the case.
We work with PHP, .NET, Java, and older Node.js systems most commonly in the NZ context. We've migrated Access databases, untangled stored procedure logic, and decomposed monoliths into services — always with an eye on keeping the business running throughout.
How Dreamware approaches this
We start with a thorough assessment of the existing system: code quality, test coverage, architectural patterns, deployment process, and the operational pain points your team lives with. We document the business logic that lives in the system — often imperfectly documented or understood — before we touch a line of code.
Migration happens in phases with the old and new systems running in parallel where possible. We write characterisation tests against the existing system before we change it, so we have a safety net. Every phase ends with the business in a working, deployable state — not partway through a migration with both systems half-working.
What you get
- System assessment report — honest evaluation of the existing system with modernisation options and tradeoffs
- Modernisation roadmap — phased plan with milestones, risks, and rollback procedures
- Migrated/modernised system — production-ready, with documentation and tests
- Characterisation test suite — tests that document current system behaviour
- Deployment pipeline — modern CI/CD replacing whatever manual process exists today
- Knowledge transfer — working sessions covering what changed and why
Investment guide
Legacy modernisation projects are highly variable in scope. Assessment phases typically run $8,000–$20,000 NZD. Full modernisation projects range from $30,000 (targeted refactoring of a small system) to $300,000+ (full replacement of a complex business-critical system). We quote after completing an assessment so the estimate reflects reality.
All pricing in NZD excluding GST. Fixed-price engagements where scope allows — we'll confirm pricing after a free scoping conversation.
Ready to get started?
Book a free conversation. We'll tell you honestly what's realistic, what it costs, and how we'd approach it.