Agentic Application Modernization

Down with effort and risk. Up with speed and future-proofing

How much longer are your applications going to hold back your growth?

Your applications could be driving growth, but instead it’s managing workarounds.

Legacy systems, custom solutions, a patchwork of Excel spreadsheets: the perfect conditions for burning through money and frustrating teams.

Every small change becomes a project.

  • Time-to-market? Slow.
  • Innovation? On the waiting list.
  • AI, cloud, IoT? Looks good on the strategy slide, but not in reality.


Your applications go from a millstone around your neck to a driving force

Faster releases, fewer workarounds, more scope for genuine innovation, and an IT system that accelerates the business rather than holding it back.

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We’re turning the tables

Until now, application modernisation has been complex and expensive – involving a high level of manual effort, a long-term impact, and significant risks to day-to-day operations.

Using new, agent-based AI technologies and our in-depth domain expertise, we now modernise precisely where it hurts the most – in a targeted manner rather than through one-off large-scale projects.

The result:

  • Scalable modernisation instead of one-off large-scale projects
  • 30–60% lower modernisation costs compared to traditional approaches
  • A future-proof, AI-ready foundation for new business models and cloud services

Why modernisation is now strategically crucial

In 2026, many companies will face the same challenge: renewing applications that have grown over time, are valuable in terms of business functionality, but are technically outdated. Legacy modernisation is no longer an option; it is a prerequisite for digital business models, IT security, the integration of modern technologies and the use of AI in core business operations.

Without consistent application modernisation, IT will become a bottleneck for growth, efficiency and resilience.

Three developments are fundamentally changing the ‘modernisation game’:

  • Mature AI tools

    AI tools now make it possible for the first time to carry out comprehensive analyses of entire application landscapes – from code and architecture to data models using intelligent knowledge management and context engineering.

  • Software Engineering

    Software engineering is our core expertise. We have over 25 years’ experience across all sectors and know what matters most.

  • Domain expertise

    We know how important domain-specific expertise is, and this is reflected across all roles and functions.

  • AI application

    Artificial intelligence is a key component of our service portfolio. For more than five years, we have been making targeted investments in AI technologies and in the training of our staff.

What we mean by agent-based application modernisation

Our agent-based modernisation approach combines specialised AI agents, 25 years of software engineering expertise, domain knowledge spanning virtually every industry, and six years of practical experience in using AI and large language models (LLMs) within the development process.

This is how the agent-based approach works:

AI-based assessment

AI agents automatically analyse code bases, architecture, data models and documentation across system boundaries.

Expert assessment and target vision

adesso experts interpret the results, assess business criticality and risks, and develop a viable target vision, including a target architecture.

Data-driven modernisation paths (7Rs)

Based on the analyses, we determine the appropriate modernisation option for each application. From rehost and replatform to refactor and rebuild, right through to replace.

AI-accelerated implementation

Refactor and rebuild implementations are significantly accelerated by AI, for example through automated code suggestions, test generation and quality checks.

Transparent management

Comprehensive modernisation audits provide clarity on costs, risks, dependencies and priorities, serving as a robust basis for decision-making for management and specialist departments.

Your benefits: Measurable ROI instead of a technological experiment

Financial and strategic benefits for business decision-makers

  • 30–60% lower modernisation costs thanks to AI-powered analytics and accelerated implementation compared to purely manual approaches
  • Faster ROI thanks to shorter project durations, reduced migration effort and earlier usability of individual modernised domains
  • Reduced business risk through improved IT security, lower reliance on rare legacy skills and clearly documented system landscapes
  • New revenue potential, as modern platforms are what enable digital business models, data-driven services and AI-powered products

Technical benefits for IT and technology decision-makers

  • High transparency regarding dependencies, technical debt and modernisation efforts through comprehensive modernisation audits
  • Scalable, cloud-enabled architectures that support microservices, APIs, container platforms and DevOps models
  • Seamless integration into existing system landscapes through standardised interfaces, messaging and streaming platforms
  • A sustainable foundation for AI initiatives, as data, processes and applications are structured and made accessible

Your next step towards the future

Would you like to find out how to guide your application landscape step by step towards the future – without jeopardising your day-to-day operations?

  • Let’s work together to identify where the greatest need for action lies within your system landscape.
  • Use GenAI-powered analytics to make informed decisions for your modernisation roadmap.

Modernise specifically where there is the greatest potential for value creation, efficiency and innovation.

Do you have any questions?

Let’s work together to identify the key areas for improvement in your IT infrastructure and design your bespoke modernisation roadmap for future-proof IT.