As explained in my last article, the Synergy project proposes a game plan for artificial intelligence. However, where do we start? This question is frequently asked by my clients. My answer is always the same: are your applications and data ready?

This may sound like a simple question, but most of the clients I meet will answer no to this question. In fact, many organizations are still struggling with silo applications where it is difficult to access or retrieve data. So, what do we need to do for that kind of application? Do we just replace them with more modern applications? Personally, I am not a fan of the big bang theory that some major manufacturers are promoting as it means to throw away what we have and replace everything. In the Synergy project, we are focusing on modernizing applications. This is the first journey we propose in order to bring the data “available”.

Why focus on application modernization?

The answer is simple: protect your existing investments and accelerate the achievement of results. Indeed, the application modernization approach has many benefits out of which some of them are immediate:

1. Accelerate digital delivery and transformation. Modernization delivers improvements faster than major system replacement projects.
2. Motivate your employees to embrace change. Speed of delivery motivates employees who are on the front lines and who reap the immediate benefits. This creates a stronger culture of change.

How to achieve successful modernization?

Several ingredients are needed for a successful modernization. IBM describes this quite well in a guide entitled “Application Modernization Field Guide”. If you do not want to read it in its entirety, here is a little essential.

The first ingredient is the toolbox: cloud computing. Easy to access and a pay-per-use model, cloud services make it easy and fast to integrate new technologies.

After the toolbox, you then have to follow a technique. Personally, I suggest the garage method. The idea is quite simple: refactor what is necessary, but do not necessary refactor. For more information on this technique, I suggest you visit the IBM Garage Method site. On this site, you will find everything you need around that proven methodology.

The last ingredient is a trusted partner that will offer you both advice and guidance through your transformation as well as tangible and quick business results.

At SIA, we created the Synergy project to help our clients achieve their digital transformation. If you have any questions or would like to see what the garage method really looks like, I invite you to contact me!