North America Strategic Modernization Exec Forum

Editor's Notes

1. To set the scene you will have seen the AMC overview given by Neil Fowler and Derek Britton. Their assertion is that the software marketplace is changing rapidly. A combination of technology advances, evolving customer expectations, process evolutions (e.g., digitization), and new business models are forcing executives to rethink prior IT strategies. Further the decisions IT executives make on how to move forward will have a direct impact on differentiation, growth and scale, profitability, customer satisfaction and speed-to-market.
2. NF While DX is at the top of virtually every one of our customers’ list of priorities, it is important to remember that success is not a given. There are a number of reasons why these initiatives struggle: <click> Complexity: Today’s organization is full of IT complexity – from infrastructure and databases to applications, to cloud computing, to mainframes that house decades of IP. This complexity often escalates even further during DX, as additional technologies and processes are often layered on top of what already exists. <click> Agility: As changes are made to increase agility, often the inverse holds true – and agility ends up decreasing when tried-and-true processes are broken down. <click> Effectiveness: Similarly, IT and organizational effectiveness can be impacted, particularly when strategies are not conceived strategically or viewed through a long-enough planning horizon. <click> Cost: And finally, we all know that change will require an investment of some kind. But for many who enter into DX without a prudent implementation plan, the downstream and hidden costs of re-work or the introduction of new risks can be debilitating. Plotting a path of change based on a dizzying array of technology, Hybrid IT: mainframe, server, mobile, On-Premise, Off-Premise, it is by its very nature a difficult task…
3. NF Thanks – the one thing in common with every modernization is change – making plans for better business outcomes. Aside from that, you can usually expect a very different POV every time. After all, no two business situations are the same. When we ask “What does modernization mean to you… “ We get a variety of answers. And of course they are all correct. Modernization can be all these things… because no start and end points are the same, no requirements the same. The journey differs each time.
4. Our solution is a broad and non-prescriptive approach that starts with the customer’s own situation. The drive towards digital requires a smarter strategy for transformation. A strategy that enables adaptability to change while managing cost and risk, but based on the customer’s unique present situation and future goals. To do that, Our approach focuses on three key dimensions of modernization – application, process and infrastructure. Or said another way….the what, the how and the where of modernization. The What – namely the Application itself The How – The software delivery process The Where – the underlying infrastructure Typically, while one lens might be a major focus, oftentimes all 3 will be impacted as there is a clear relationship in many cases. The specific manifestation of a modernization project will, of course, vary widely based on the objectives and current and future desired state. But through our very wide range of tech, we support a range of common use cases
5. NF In each case the customer situation and chosen destination was the basis for our solution. That collaborative and broad solution is the basis of our strength, now 45 years and counting. Look at our experience, our customers, and the investment we make in modernization. Our knowledge and know-how in this space is unrivalled. Which is why so many clinets have trusted our approach and success.
6. NF For each example, we’ll use a common approach to start assessing what is necessary. This simple model outlines things quite well. Our approach looks at all possible input sources to your journey, and helps plan accordingly. From the existing application stack assessment, through to business and technical drivers, we help understand and assess key criteria and questions to help you determine the right strategy. With the right strategy, you can plot the right journey.
7. NF We define our approach as the maturity model, but in reality it is – as you would want – a pragmatic approach to helping you get from A to B in the best way possible. Based on over 1,000 successful modernization projects, we have assembled the collective experience and best practices from our unparalleled industry success, capturing that into a set of guidance and considerations to share for all future engagements.   The modernization maturity model is a framework of best practices and vital considerations, which help customers and partners plan, manage and execute their modernization projects with greater confidence and authority.   The Micro Focus Modernization Maturity Model has already received wide support from analysts, partners and customers. The press release includes a few quotes of that nature.   Building upon decades of success as the market-leading success as a software company, this further reinforces our credentials as the enterprise vendor of choice by reinforcing our expertise and experience in application modernization.   For more information –   Press Release https://www.microfocus.com/en-us/press-room/press-releases/new-framework-for-best-practice-approach-to-modernization-projects Brochure https://www.microfocus.com/media/brochure/the-micro-focus-modernization-maturity-model-brochure.pdf Blog https://blog.microfocus.com/micro-focus-modernization-maturity-model/
8. I think the first big take away is that you are in good company – modernization matters. That’s the overwhelming view of the market that we’ve heard from in terms of analysts, market data, customer input and our own recent survey. And we agree, and we can help… In fact our solution is unique in terms of its breadth and depth and continues to be enhanced. Added to that our experience and framework for success is also available as a best-practice modernization route map.
9. OK so a quick look at the assets available. First, let me point you to the Modernization web page, full of new key gated assets and thought leadership. Including a brochure, IDC and Gartner papers plus the new Standish Group research report and eBook on Continuous Modernization. After the event we (Paula) will be sharing the Standish information with each of your directly in a post event email. To support the 6.0 release, the product pages at microfocus.com/enterprise include a new Enterprise Suite brochure and datasheet updates. On social media we will also be promoting the launch with a range of technical blogs so be sure to look at the blog site for that.