Using an architectural approach to enable application modernisation in the context of digital transformation

Abstract

Cloud migration has become a key business strategy, as it offers incredible benefits such as scalability, elasticity and cost effectiveness. Organisations remain cautious about applications migration to the cloud due to execution challenges and different security concerns. An architecturally driven organisation needs an appropriate architectural approach to ensure the effective facilitation of the information technology (IT) systems migration to cloud systems. The body of knowledge has grown significantly since the inception of this research, however, there remains the need for comprehensive and flexible strategies that can tackle the complexities of legacy systems migration from on-premises to cloud platforms. The study investigates the use of enterprise architecture (EA) in facilitating application modernisation and presents a comprehensive EA-driven framework. This research followed a design science research approach. The study conducted a review of the existing literature to identify research gaps and inform the definition of design criteria that guided the development of the proposed framework for migrating information systems from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based platforms. The proposed framework named arch cloud migration framework (ACMF) was evaluated by a team of experts, and their recommendations were be implemented to propose a second version of the framework to guide the aforesaid migration. The ACMF will enable organisations to modernise legacy applications while aligning with organisational strategy and transformation initiatives.