A recent Forrester study highlighted some of the critical challenges organizations face when modernizing their IT environments, especially when dealing with mainframes. IT modernization is a complex journey—one that requires more than just advanced technology and updated processes. At the heart of successful transformation lies the ability to build strategic partnerships that align with your broader business goals.
The reality is, no organization can navigate the challenges of modernization, particularly with legacy mainframe environments, in isolation. A well-chosen partner will not only bring technical expertise but will also understand your vision, ensuring that your transformation journey drives long-term value and resilience.
To fully realize the benefits of IT modernization, organizations must confront significant obstacles: from application rewrites to security concerns and talent shortages. These challenges can be roadblocks to progress, but with the right partner, they become opportunities to innovate and grow. By addressing these critical hurdles, businesses can focus on leveraging technology to unlock new potential and enhance their competitive edge.
1. The Critical Role of External Partners in IT Modernization
IT modernization is not a solitary journey; it’s a complex, multifaceted process that requires a blend of internal efforts and external expertise. One of the most decisive factors in achieving modernization success is the ability to strategically partner with external experts. The study found that every decision-maker surveyed leaned on a key partner, whether it was a hyperscaler, managed service provider, trusted software vendor, system integrator, or external consultant.
These external partners play an indispensable role in addressing internal limitations—whether it’s a shortage of skills, lack of specialized knowledge, or the need to accelerate timelines. For IT leaders, external partners are highly valued for their ability to enhance customer-facing functions, helping organizations improve service delivery and overall customer experience. On the other hand, business leaders look to these partners to optimize resource management, ensuring that projects remain on track and within scope, while reducing operational strain on internal teams.
Expertise That Drives IT Modernization
Partners in IT modernization bring a wide array of specialized skills to the table, which allows them to address the unique challenges posed by legacy environments. Whether it’s modernizing outdated codebases or streamlining processes with AI and automation, these partners enable organizations to overcome the technical and strategic hurdles that might otherwise slow progress.
Forrester study revealed that over 70% of decision-makers consider some capabilities as essential when selecting an external IT partner.
The following capabilities are the considerations:
- Code and data modernization (83%): Critical for evolving legacy systems and ensuring compatibility with modern platforms.
- DevOps continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) (79%): Facilitating smoother and faster deployments, enabling continuous improvement.
- Open-source compliance (78%): Ensuring that open-source technologies are used efficiently and securely within the enterprise.
- Agile applications and low-code platforms (75%): Accelerating development timelines with flexible, adaptable solutions.
- Structured and unstructured data management (74%): Essential for harnessing the full value of data in today’s data-driven world.
- Vulnerability management (71%): Ensuring that security risks are minimized as organizations transition to new environments.
- AI and automation (70%): Enabling smarter, more efficient operations through technology.
This establishes clear criteria for IT and business leaders looking to invest in external partners for their IT modernization efforts.
2. AI's Vital Role in IT Modernization: The Need for Expert Alignment
Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just an emerging trend—it is an essential driver of efficiency, scalability, and innovation. The majority of organizations in our study have already integrated AI into their modernization strategies, particularly within mainframe environments. AI has proven to be a powerful tool, automating critical tasks such as code analysis (52%), code translation and generation (45%), and data transformation (39%).
For those who have successfully leveraged AI, the results have been impressive: over 60% reported significant gains in efficiency and technological advancement. However, not all AI initiatives have been smooth. Roughly one-third of organizations have encountered difficulties with their AI implementations, experiencing setbacks like revenue loss, project delays, and disruptions to business operations. These challenges highlight the complexities of AI and its potential to derail progress if not managed properly.
Why AI Expertise in Your Partner Matters?
Given AI’s critical role in modernizing legacy systems, it’s crucial to ensure that external partners bring robust AI expertise to the table. The ability to seamlessly integrate AI into IT strategies is not just a bonus—it’s a necessity for avoiding costly missteps. External partners must not only provide AI-driven solutions but also understand how to align those solutions with your organization’s specific goals and processes.
A partner’s AI capabilities can determine whether your modernization strategy flourishes or falters. As organizations continue to automate workflows and manage vast amounts of data, AI’s role will only expand. Therefore, selecting a partner who can both navigate the intricacies of AI and apply it to real-world business problems will be essential for success.
RedLeaf Softs: Your Modernization Partner
At RedLeaf Softs, we understand the intricacies of IT modernization and bring a tailored approach to ensure a seamless transformation. We help you overcome the hurdles of modernization, whether through expert AI implementation or solving integration challenges across your tech stack. With us as your partner, you can trust that we’ll deliver modern solutions that are customized to your needs and future-proofed for the evolving digital landscape.
Key benefits of partnering with RedLeaf Softs:
- Tailored modernization strategies: We design modernization plans specific to your organization’s needs, from data transformation to DevOps integration.
- Proven track record: Our team has helped numerous organizations modernize with reduced risk, on time, and within budget.
- Commitment to innovation: We continually adapt to the latest trends and technologies, ensuring your business stays competitive.
Conclusion
IT modernization is a journey that demands more than just technology; it requires the right partnerships and capabilities to navigate complex systems, harness the power of AI, and address the challenges that arise along the way.
Whether it’s managing legacy systems, optimizing processes, or integrating AI to enhance efficiency, the success of your modernization strategy heavily depends on selecting partners who align with your strategic goals and can offer the right expertise.
Ready to start your IT modernization journey with a partner who understands both technology and strategy? Let’s build a future-proof roadmap together. Reach out to RedLeaf Softs today and take the next step toward a modern, efficient, and agile IT environment.
Contact us today to explore custom software solutions that align with your business goals.
