SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES FOR LEGACY APPLICATION MODERNIZATION AND LONG-TERM SYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY
Keywords:
Software Maintenance; Legacy Application Modernization; System Sustainability; Technical Debt Reduction; Application Refactoring.Abstract
Software maintenance strategies support legacy application modernization and long-term system sustainability by improving outdated software without disrupting essential business operations. The approach includes code refactoring, architecture assessment, dependency updates, database migration, interface redesign, security enhancement, and cloud integration. Organizations can modernize applications gradually through rehosting, replatforming, modularization, or complete system replacement according to cost, risk, and operational requirements. Automated testing and continuous monitoring help identify defects, performance limitations, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues during modernization. Documentation, version control, and knowledge transfer reduce dependence on outdated technologies and individual specialists. Overall, effective maintenance strategies can extend application life, lower technical debt, improve system reliability, strengthen security, and support sustainable digital transformation.