For many enterprises, an efficient legacy system integration can be a big challenge.
And if you’re one of them, this blog is specifically curated for you.
We’ve covered everything related to it – from the hurdles you might face to steps you need to take and how we can lend a hand in integrating those legacy systems seamlessly.
So, let’s get started!
Integrating legacy systems into modern IT environments can present various challenges due to the differences in technology, architecture, and data formats.
Here are some common challenges associated with legacy system integration:
Legacy systems often use outdated technologies, programming languages, and frameworks.
This can lead to difficulties in integrating as they may not be compatible with modern technologies.
Your legacy system speaks an ancient data that’s totally different from what new systems use.
In short, their data structures are incompatible with modern standards.
Converting and mapping that data can be complex and may require significant effort.
Legacy systems might not have well-defined APIs or might lack APIs altogether.
This makes it challenging to make seamless communication between the legacy system and other applications or services.
Legacy systems may not be designed to scale efficiently to meet growing data or user demands.
Hence, integrating them into a modern, scalable infrastructure may require additional optimizations and upgrades.
Testing a legacy system is a bit like exploring a haunted house – you never know what spooky bugs might pop up.
Limited testing tools and the complexity of legacy code make testing more challenging.
For a better understanding, let’s divide strategies to overcome legacy system integration challenges.
This is how your software will end up without integration tests.
✅ Unit tests passing
✅ Works on my machine
✅ Deployment successful pic.twitter.com/Ma4uddkk9P— Girl loves coding 👩💻 (@girllovescoding) January 2, 2024
There are 4 main approaches when it comes to integrating legacy systems or applications.
Simply put, P2P integration is a way to connect two apps using custom code.
It’s the most common approach.
However, maintaining and scaling P2P connections is more complex and difficult to manage when the number of systems increases.
ESB is a middleware software architecture that provides a centralized, scalable, and flexible platform to integrate multiple systems.
It simplifies legacy system integration by providing a common communication bus and transformation services.
Mulesoft, Apache ServiceMix, and IBM Integration Bus (IIB) are a few examples of ESB tools.
Though an ESB seems better than P2P integration, however, it has significant limitations.
For example, it lacks load balancing and message call limits. Hence, crashes are frequent in busy environments.
What’s more, it isn’t well-suitable when it comes to microservices architecture.
API is a collection of rules, defining how an app should “respond” to access data or features of the other app.
It acts like a messenger, ensuring apps or systems communicate efficiently.
Currently, it’s the most common method to connect technologies or applications with one another.
But why?
In case your legacy system was developed before APIs, first, you have to make it API-friendly.
But it’ll require fortune, experience, and even refactoring your legacy system.
However, the result will be worth the effort as API offers benefits that neither P2P integration nor ESBs have.
iPaaS is a cloud-based integration platform that streamlines the development, execution, and management of integrations between different systems.
It offers an array of pre-configured adaptors, connectors, APIs, and even ESBs.
In fact, “The global IPaaS market reached $6.68 billion, projected to hit $61.67 billion by 2030 with a 32.47% CAGR.” (Source)
But why it’s so popular?
Our commitment to engineering excellence, combined with years of experience in legacy system integration, sets us apart in the world of software product development.
At Azilen, we believe that true innovation is born from a delicate balance between experience and an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
Our PRO Engineers bring years of hands-on experience in legacy system integration, coupled with a relentless drive for innovation!
We understand that each business is as unique as a fingerprint.
That’s why we don’t offer generic solutions!
Instead, we craft bespoke strategies tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
At Azilen, we don’t just integrate legacy systems; we future-proof them.
Our forward-thinking approach involves not just addressing current challenges but anticipating and mitigating future ones.
We focus on orchestrating different systems rather than just making them work together.
This enables us to perform the integration process with a smooth transition, minimizing disruptions, and optimizing efficiency.
Beyond legacy application modernization services, we offer an experience that exceeds the ordinary.
From the first consultation to the final implementation, we prioritize open communication, transparency, and collaboration.
4 mins 
5 mins 
