Quality Issues in
Software Re-
Engineering
Addressing Key Concepts in Migrating Legacy Systems to Networked
and Cloud-Based Architectures
Agenda
• • Introduction to Network-Centric Environments
• • Network Architecture Fundamentals
• • Migration to a Network-Centric Environment
• • Data Migration and Integration
• • Case Studies and Best Practices
Introduction to Network-Centric
Environments
• Definition: Network-centric environments support distributed
systems that connect software applications via networks, allowing for
resource sharing, accessibility, and real-time data synchronization.
• Objective: Enhance software scalability, flexibility, and access across
various locations and devices.
• Example:
• Traditional inventory management systems operated within a single network.
• Re-engineering shifts it to a cloud-based, networked system, enabling real-
time updates across company branches.
• Benefits:
• Improved accessibility for remote work, real-time data sharing, and better
collaboration.
• Supports scalability as business needs grow.
Key Characteristics of Network-
Centric Environments
• Distributed Architecture: Applications hosted on multiple servers,
accessible via network.
• Real-Time Data Sharing: Enables consistent data updates across users
and locations.
• Security Concerns: Networked systems must address data protection
with security measures.
• Examples:
• Cloud-hosted e-commerce platforms that handle simultaneous user access.
• Real-time collaborative tools (e.g., Google Docs) accessible via the internet.
Network Architecture Fundamentals
Definition: The structural framework detailing how applications, databases, and
devices connect, communicate, and interact within a network.
Importance in Re-Engineering: Transitioning legacy systems to networked models
requires designing or adapting network architecture to handle distributed
workloads, ensure security, and enable scalability.
• Key Components: Client-Server Model: Central server for handling
client requests.
• Peer-to-Peer Model: Decentralized network where each device can
act as both client and server.
Example: A legacy payroll system re-engineered to a microservices architecture,
supporting modularity and efficient data processing.
Network Architecture Considerations
•Security Protocols: Implementing SSL/TLS encryption, firewalls, and access
control for data security
•Reliability and Scalability: The architecture should support increasing user
demands without degrading performance.
•Network Layers: Aligning software design with network layers (e.g.,
TCP/IP protocols) to ensure smooth data transmission.
•Example: Re-engineering an e-commerce platform to handle high traffic by
adopting load-balancing techniques.
Migration to a Network-Centric
Environment
• Overview: Converting standalone or limited-scope systems to cloud-based or
distributed platforms for enhanced accessibility and functionality.
• Process:
• Analyze Legacy System: Determine compatibility and the extent of required
modifications.
• Re-Design Architecture: Implement a service-oriented or modular approach
for flexibility.
• Test for Performance: Ensure the application meets network latency,
bandwidth, and reliability requirements.
• Example:
• Transitioning an internal payroll application to a cloud environment for
remote accessibility, improving operational efficiency..
Challenges in Migration to Network-
Centric Environments
•Data Security: Networked systems must protect against unauthorized
access.
•Compatibility Issues: Legacy systems may require extensive
modifications to work with modern web protocols.
•Performance Considerations: Networked environments require systems
to perform well with distributed workloads.
•Solution Example:
•Deploying cloud-based payroll systems with multi-layered security to
protect employee data.
Data Migration and Integration
• Definition: Transferring and synchronizing data from legacy systems
to new, re-engineered systems, often involving updates in data
structure and formats.
• Key Considerations:
• Data Transformation: Adapting legacy data for compatibility with new
formats.
• Validation and Consistency: Ensuring data accuracy to prevent loss or
duplication.
• Real-Time Data Sync: Enabling continuous data sharing between integrated
systems.
• Example:
• Migrating customer data from an outdated CRM to a new, network-based
CRM, ensuring compatibility and accuracy during the process.
Steps for Effective Data Migration
• Assess Data Requirements: Review legacy data structure for
compatibility.
• Data Transformation: Convert data into the required format, such as
updating from a relational to NoSQL database.
• Validation Testing: Confirm data integrity and consistency post-
migration.
• Security: Use encryption to protect data during transfer.
• Example:
• A CRM migration where legacy data is reformatted and integrated with a
billing system for seamless data flow.
Case Studies and Best Practices
•Importance of Case Studies: Learning from previous re-engineering
projects helps in understanding common challenges, effective solutions, and
best practices.
•Example Case Study:
•A retail company migrating from a traditional POS system to a network-centric
environment faced data latency issues. Solution: Incremental migration to gradually
adapt and refine the system.
•Best Practices:
•Incremental Migration: Reduce risk by gradually transitioning components.
•User-Centric Design: Focus on user needs to enhance usability in the re-engineered
system.
•Automated Testing: Continuously test for performance and security in a networked
environment.
•Continuous Monitoring: Post-deployment tracking to ensure network efficiency and
functionality.
Best Practices in Detail
• Incremental Migration: Start with a pilot phase to minimize
disruption.
• User-Centric Design: Involve users in testing to improve system
usability and satisfaction.
• Automated Testing: Use automated tools to test system integration,
network performance, and security.
• Continuous Monitoring: Implement monitoring tools (e.g.,
Dynatrace, Nagios) for real-time performance insights.
• Example:
• An e-commerce company re-engineers its platform incrementally, deploying
updates based on real-time user feedback to avoid downtime.
Summary
•Network-Centric Environments: Essential for modernizing applications to
support distributed operations.
•Network Architecture: Fundamental for ensuring a system can scale and
operate efficiently within a network.
•Migration: A complex process that requires careful planning, security
measures, and testing.
•Data Migration and Integration: Vital for maintaining data integrity and
supporting interoperability in the networked system.
•Case Studies and Best Practices: Lessons from past projects offer
guidance and strategies to avoid common pitfalls.
