83%
require high levels of innovation
The clock is ticking on legacy IT. It’s time to Modernise with Purpose.
Modernising with Purpose: A strategy playbook for core workload transformation
The clock is ticking on legacy IT. It’s time to Modernise with Purpose.
Your legacy applications are no longer just a resource drain; they are a barrier to innovation.
Tech-driven competition, publisher pressures, and the race to harness AI means the opportunity cost of outdated systems is climbing every month.
Organisations simply cannot afford IT that consumes resources without returning substantial business value.
Changes to VMware licensing and pricing models by Broadcom, the looming threat of Oracle Java audits, and the strategic shifts heralded by programmes like SAP’s Cloud ERP Private are not distant concerns; they are impacting budgets today, when investment in innovation is crucial. The race to turn the promise of AI into tangible results is truly on, and according to our research, 79% of businesses expect to have made significant progress transforming internal processes with AI in the next two years. The legacy application conversation has therefore changed: it's no longer if, but how urgently you transform.
This isn't just another upgrade cycle; it’s a pivotal moment to redefine technology's role in your organisation. Now is the time to fully leverage data, react faster, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and build a sustainable, secure foundation for growth.
Businesses today
79%
aim to transform processes with AI within 2 years
48%
lack funding certainty
* Findings from ‘Driving Business Outcomes Through Cost Optimised Innovation’, SoftwareOne, 2025
From 'keeping the lights on' to driving innovation and business outcomes
This market moment has led us to produce a guide that provides a pragmatic, value-driven approach to core workload transformation, empowering you to turn today’s pressures into tomorrow’s strategic advantages.
We champion a strategy that is:
Workload-Centric
Focus on the specific needs and business value of individual applications to prioritise effort where it matters most.
Licence-Aware
Integrate a deep understanding of software licensing at every stage to retain agility, control costs and mitigate risk
Outcome-Driven
Align every technical decision with measurable financial, operational, and innovation goals to drive real business outcomes.
Unlock the full potential of your assets
The playbook provides actionable guidance and expert insights to navigate every stage of your modernisation journey.
Define Your Strategy
Learn to evaluate the '7 Rs' of modernisation in today’s landscape, where AI-powered tools and new vendor models have changed the calculus.
Build the business case and prioritise for impact
Master TCO and ROI analysis factoring in direct costs, potential savings, and broader benefits like agility and risk mitigation. Assess and segment workloads and build a roadmap to return immediate and long-term value to the business.
Navigate publisher complexity
Get clear, pragmatic guidance on common scenarios, including VMware, Oracle Database, and SAP migrations.
Embed Security & AI-Readiness
Understand why security is the essential bedrock for innovation and how to resolve data challenges to prepare for an AI-driven future.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Learn how to mitigate the key risks in any modernisation project, from underestimating licensing complexity to failing to manage change.
Chart your path with confidence
The journey from legacy systems to a modern IT estate is the defining challenge for leaders today. By embedding a continuous, value-driven discipline, you can resolve today’s pressures and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
Download the playbook to build your roadmap for a more agile, cost-effective, and innovation-ready future.
Download the playbook to build your roadmap for a more agile, cost-effective, and innovation-ready future.