Modernizing Legacy Systems Without Core Business Disruption

Introduction 

Have you ever wondered how core legacy systems are upgraded without disrupting day-to-day operations? Whether it’s a bank’s mortgage loan portfolio management system, an insurance claims processing system, or a even a trading floor, legacy systems that run these processes ultimately have to be upgraded for modern automation and greater efficiency.  Back-office applications often have high volumes of business operations including report creation, business calculations, correspondence, and more. For Sapiens, this is a routine challenge which is solved by working with the IBM Z/OS platform to either enhance or completely update the applications that run current business operations.

Making System Upgrades Happen

In most system architectures, the core system and accompanying logic remains in the back end. With this structure, it is possible to modernize a client’s system without interrupting their daily course of business. In one such engagement, the client had requested Sapiens’ eMerge platform, which runs on the IBM z/OS platform, to develop a contemporary user interface with a unified look and feel that matched their other applications. The transformation needed to happen without disrupting existing business operations or risking data integrity.

By developing the web services on the eMerge platform, the modernized system would act as an interface layer between the legacy mainframe application and modern front-end systems.

This approach offered several key advantages:

• Preservation of Business Logic. The web services were designed to emulate the original business operations by using existing eMerge transactions and business rules. This meant no rewriting of crucial business logic was necessary.
• Transparent Changes. Any updates to the core application’s business rules are automatically reflected in the web services without requiring additional modifications.
• Modern Communication Standards. The web services used JSON messages to perform required business functions on the mainframe, enabling easy integration with modern applications.

The Business Impact

Sapiens’ implementation strategy resulted in significant operational benefits for the client. They avoided the need to rewrite a complex application or make substantial changes to their existing eMerge system. The mainframe platform remained in place, with only a new frontend needed to complete the transformation.

This approach minimized disruption, reduced risk, and accelerated the modernization timeline while preserving the client’s investment in its core systems.

The Final Word 

Legacy system modernization doesn’t always require risky “rip and replace” approaches. By strategically implementing web services that bridge legacy mainframes with modern interfaces, organizations can achieve digital transformation while preserving their valuable business logic and ensuring operational continuity. Sapiens’ solutions, running on the IBM Z/OS platform, can help clients meet modern expectations while leveraging their existing technologies, ultimately creating a win-win scenario for both the client and its customers.