Software Reengineering for Mission-Critical Applications — Minimizing Business Risks and Reducing Maintenance Costs

Abstract

This article describes the risk potential of outmoded software systems for business processes. The relevance for the financial service sector is a result of the exceptionally high dependence of the business processes on the underlying data-processing systems. The reason for software aging, the processes involved in aging and the resultant risks are outlined. Software reengineering is introduced as a business solution to this problem.

A discussion of the main success factors facilitates the selection of a useful reengineering approach. Special attention is paid to the sustainability of the effects realized. In addition to risk prevention, the aspect of maintenance cost reduction is elaborated. A case study illustrates how the structural rejuvenation of data processing systems succeeds even under the massive pressure of functional evolution. Special emphasis is placed on the classic combination of COBOL applications and IBM mainframe computers, often found in banking and insurance.