How the Strangler Fig Approach Can Revitalize Complex Applications

Do you ever have those mornings where you sit down with your coffee, open your code base, and wonder who wrote this mess? And then it dawns on you — it was probably you. But don't worry, because now you can finally take out your frustrations and just strangle them! Complex, outdated applications plague many enterprises, if not all. They're looking for ways to modernize their applications and infrastructure to improve performance, reduce costs, and increase innovation. One strategy that works well in many cases is the Strangler Fig Approach.

The Strangler Fig Approach is a modernization strategy that involves gradually replacing complex software with a new system while maintaining the existing one's functionality. Its name comes from, well, the strangler fig tree. It grows around an existing tree, eventually replacing it while taking on the same shape and function. When compared to other methods of modernization, this approach can save a significant amount of time and money.

The beauty of the Strangler Fig Method is its flexibility. It can be applied to refactor or rewrite individual components and gradually cut over to these new components through gradual “strangulation” of the legacy code. It's similar to cloning in plant propagation, where a cutting from an existing plant is taken to create a new, independent plant. This approach allows enterprises to continue using the existing system while the modernization process takes place.

One of the biggest advantages of the Strangler Fig Approach is its ability to mitigate potential risks associated with completely replacing an entire system at once. Due to integration issues and extensive testing to ensure that the new system is fully functional, full system rewrites are prone to downtime. This can result in serious consequences. However, by gradually replacing the software, the Strangler Fig Approach allows enterprises to test updated components as they are integrated, ensuring that the application is fully functional before full deployment.

Another significant advantage of the Strangler Fig Approach is its cost-effectiveness. A complete system rewrite can be costly and time-consuming. But by breaking down complex software into smaller components, enterprises can prioritize which components to update first based on their criticality to the system's functionality. Prioritization enables enterprises to make strategic decisions about the modernization process and achieve their modernization goals more efficiently.

The strangler fig approach is also highly adaptable. It enables enterprises to make strategic decisions about the modernization process and achieve their modernization goals more efficiently. By gradually replacing legacy components with modern ones, enterprises can take advantage of the latest technology without disrupting their operations or experiencing significant downtime. Using this approach, legacy systems can be modernized and kept functional and secure for years to come.

Still, don't be fooled. It requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the modern software can integrate seamlessly with the legacy one. And because we know that modernization can be a real pain in the neck (and it won't go away if you take a break, quite the opposite)., we've developed a platform that makes the Strangler Fig Approach more accessible by analyzing complex software and creating an architecture of existing applications. It generates a modernized-ready version of the application, which can be gradually integrated into the existing system.

In case you've made it this far, allow me to brag a little about our work with Trend Micro. Having complex systems presented a challenge for the global cybersecurity leader. Their monolithic application was not scalable, and the deployment process was time-consuming and inefficient. They needed a solution to modernize their infrastructure while maintaining their existing software's functionality.

With our help, Trend Micro adopted the Strangler Fig Approach. They used the platform to create an architecture of their complex software and generate a modernized version of their application. Trend Micro was able to maintain the existing application while gradually integrating the modernized version into its infrastructure with the vFunction platform. The updated system was more scalable, had improved performance, and reduced deployment time. What's more? It only took a few months.

The Strangler Fig Approach is a modernization strategy that can help enterprises gradually replace their complex software with modern ones while maintaining existing functionality. The process requires careful planning and execution, but it can be a cost-effective and efficient solution compared to traditional modernization methods. 

If you find yourself facing the daunting task of modernizing a complex application, the Strangler Fig Approach could be your saving grace. By gradually replacing outdated components, prioritizing critical updates, and leveraging a comprehensive platform like vFunction, enterprises can revitalize their applications while minimizing risks and achieving their modernization goals. So, go ahead, grab your coffee, and start strangling that legacy system into a modernized masterpiece.