Software takeover: improve your existing application (without starting from scratch)
- Reworking software means taking over existing code to correct it and make it evolve.
- We start by accessing the code, then carry out a free maintainability analysis.
- Depending on the quality of the code, improvements are made using the same technology or part of the code (often the back-end) is overhauled.
- Changing service providers allows you to unlock fixes when the current team is no longer available.
- Updating a language or migrating a technology improves performance and security.
Software takeover is a solution when you have software in your company, but you're not completely satisfied with it. The idea is to take over the existing development, correct what's not working, and develop the application so that it keeps pace with your company's growth.
In practice, we often speak of a “rework” when we change service providers for software that has already been developed, in order to avoid a complete rebuild and ensure continuity.
Why is software recovery necessary?
A software takeover is particularly relevant when :
- You have bugs to fix, But your current service provider is unable to act effectively (lack of skills, lack of time, priority given to other projects).
- The service provider is no longer available The company has stopped, or you were working through a freelancer who has ceased trading.
- Your business is moving forward and you need the software to evolves at the same pace.
In all cases, the objective remains the same: to regain control so that your tool does not become an operational hindrance.
To understand in detail what this service covers, consult our dedicated page: [ https://www.iterates.be/fr/services/reprise-logiciel/
Development takeover: what it really includes
In practical terms, a trade-in involves understand the existing code and then improve it. This can include:
- Error correction (bugs, instabilities)
- Improvements added functional
- Language update (version to another)
- Migration from an older technology to a more recent one, to improve performance
The key point is that we don't do “new for the sake of new”, we look for what is most relevant to the actual state of the code.
Upgrade vs. migration: performance and security
Two cases come up frequently:
- Update a version a language or technology
The aim is to strengthen the security (and limit the risks associated with obsolete versions). - Migrate part of the code to a more recent technology
It's more performance (and sometimes maintainability), by changing part of the technical base.
https://www.iterates.be/fr/importance-de-la-maj-de-vos-logiciels-systemes-informatiques/
How a recovery works (call, access to code, analysis)
The process is simple:
- A call to understand the context: what is the application used for, what are the irritants, what are the expectations.
- Code access either via the previous service provider, or via your server accesses to retrieve the code.
- Free analysis Evaluate whether the code can be maintained/improved, or whether a partial overhaul is preferable.
Maintainable or to be overhauled: how to decide after analysis
Continuing with the same technology
If the code is deemed maintainable, the approach consists of :
- correct bugs,
- stabilise,
- add new developments,
- and continue with the existing technology.
Partial redesign back-end / front-end (often back-end)
If the quality of the code is too low, The orientation can be :
- a new development on one part (back-end, front-end, or both),
- often with a focus on back-end, by incorporating faster, more modern technology.
Freelance vs agency: securing development continuity
Freelancing can be interesting (particularly in terms of cost), but there is a risk: if the person is unavailable, the project may come to a standstill.
An agency ensures continuity:
- several employees can take over,
- skills on several stacks (examples cited : .NET, PHP, Java),
- and an experienced team (mention of 8 to 10 years), which is useful for taking a critical look at the code and identifying areas for improvement.
To reinforce the audit and security aspects”: https://www.iterates.be/fr/services/audit-technique-securite/
For whom this service is relevant
Software takeovers are aimed at companies that have has customised software developed (or a website/application developed by a service provider). The aim is to take the code and improve it, rather than trying to “adapt” an existing piece of off-the-shelf software.
If you're looking to develop bespoke in-house software, these pages may be useful additions:
- https://www.iterates.be/fr/services/logiciel-sur-mesure/
- https://www.iterates.be/fr/services/logiciel-metier/
And if the question also includes day-to-day operations :
Next step: free analysis and start-up
If you have any doubts about your software, if your partner is no longer there, or if you feel that the application is holding back your business, the first step is simple: a first appointment, then a free analysis to determine the best trajectory (improvement or partial redesign).
To remember
- Software transfer is used to continue and improve an existing application.
- It covers : bugs, updates, migration and developments.
- We start by retrieving access to the code, then a free analysis maintainability.
- Depending on the result: we improves on existing technology or partially recasts (often back-end).
- An agency secures continuity thanks to a multi-language team and skills.
Taking over software means taking over existing development to correct bugs, update the technology and develop the application further. The aim is to improve the tool without necessarily starting from scratch.
We update when the code is maintainable and needs to be stabilised/secured. We migrate or partially recast if the technology is too old or if the quality of the code requires a more thorough modernisation.
Check your ability to understand existing code, availability and technology coverage (e.g. .NET, PHP, Java). The easiest way to do this is to talk about it in a meeting to set the context: https://cal.com/rodolphebalay/it-project-meeting-iterates
This depends on the state of the code, the volume of bugs, and the level of refactoring required (back-end/front-end). A free analysis can be used to determine the best approach and estimate the next steps: https://www.iterates.be/fr/contact/#form
Recover access to the code (server, repository, or via the previous service provider if possible), then have the maintainability analysed. Then you can restart the corrections and development with a new partner - find out more about our dedicated service: https://www.iterates.be/fr/services/reprise-logiciel/