Custom Software Development - .NET Migration Services

Migrating a legacy application to .NET

Over the last few years, Microsoft has introduced a new suite of software application development tools called Visual Studio .NET to replace the earlier Visual Studio 6.

Many organisations have applications written in Visual Studio 6 that now need to be ported or migrated onto the newer .NET platform. These may be desktop applications, or client-server systems with a database back end.

The .NET platform is very significantly different to Visual Studio 6, and there are no off-the-shelf tools that perform the job adequately. This means that migration of such applications can be a difficult and expensive task, and if not done correctly may have a negative impact on an operating business.

A particular scenario may be much more complex than simply recoding an application in the newer language. There may well be other important opportunities to consider, for example:

• Upgrading a backend database from Access or SQL 2000 to the latest SQL 2005
• Upgrading from a client-server system to an Intranet or web enabled application
• Changing the fundamental development language from C++ or Visual Basic 6 to VB.NET or C#.NET
• Changing database access methods from ADO 2.6/2.7 to ADO.NET

There are also hardware changes to consider, such as building the newer system on a newer server, or introducing new network protocols or security models.

Perhaps you need some help!

WyeTec staff have many years of combined experience in both Visual Studio 6 and Visual Studio .NET, including the latest version 2.0 and can offer services at all levels. Our services include:

• Scenario Assessment and Project Planning
  We visit your business and assess your existing system. We can then prepare an outline proposal with a number of options on the possible routes forward. This might include outline costing and timescales for each option. We may also suggest changes in network topology or application architecture to utilise the latest and fastest options available. Sometimes we may propose a multi-step approach in order to eliminate risk and ensure business continuity.
• Recoding, porting and migration of your existing application
  You may or may not have the original code for your application. WyeTec can take existing code or an existing application and build a new one based on the chosen new platform.
• Database Upgrades
  It may be time to upgrade your existing database. All recent WyeTec projects have used SQL 2005, the latest version of SQL Server, and this is our usual first choice.
• Network Reconfiguration or Server Upgrades
  WyeTec will look at your needs and can manage any changes required.

Working Practices

Your organisation may have internal IT staff with a varied skill set, or you may outsource some of your requirements. Our developers will work with your staff or suppliers, helping them understand the new systems, so they can continue to manage them after the project is completed.

WyeTec can either manage your whole project, or work under your internal project management. Our company is very flexible about the working arrangements, and will work in a way that suits you.

We are always available for post development support, and to resolve any issues that can occur on such a project. WyeTec prides itself on its after care service and we aim to build long term relationships with our clients.

What to do next

If you are considering a migration project, then contact us for an informal discussion. We will usually then arrange to visit you without obligation for an initial assessment of your needs. You'll find our staff friendly and knowledgeable and generally able to answer your questions on the spot.

 

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