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Application Modernisation Solutions

Modernise legacy applications to reduce technical debt, improve security, and scale faster
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Are your applications keeping up with business needs?

Many organisations are running legacy systems and existing applications that were never built for today’s pace—hybrid cloud, remote work, fast releases, and rising security expectations. The symptoms are familiar: slow change, brittle integrations, high operational costs, and growing technical debt that makes every enhancement feel risky.

CBS helps you modernise without ripping everything out. We take a solutionist approach—starting with discovery, then mapping the right application modernisation strategies per workload (cloud native where it matters, pragmatic updates where it doesn’t). The result is a modernisation journey that improves agility, supports business continuity, and creates a clear path to accelerate cloud adoption and long-term cost efficiency.

Are your applications keeping up with business needs
App modernisation that fits your environment

The CBS solution: App modernisation that fits your environment

Application modernisation isn’t one project. It’s a set of modernisation efforts that reduce risk and prove value in stages. We modernise existing apps and transform legacy systems using a workload-focused approach across:

  • Cloud migration (IaaS). Rehost or replatform apps to modern cloud infrastructure to reduce reliance on on-premises infrastructure and stabilise operations.
  • Modernisation with PaaS. Refactor or rebuild parts of applications using managed cloud technologies to improve scalability, security, and consistent deployment.
  • Integration and data management: Connect systems and streamline business processes so information flows reliably across the organisation.
  • Continuous improvement: Optimise performance, cost, and security as your cloud environment evolves.

We work with Microsoft where it’s the best fit (Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform), and we design for integration with your broader technology stack, including hybrid cloud environments and existing architecture constraints.

Benefits of our application modernisation services

Reduce technical debt

Cut duplication, simplify maintenance, and reduce the risk that comes with ageing code and legacy systems.

Improve scalability and agility

Modern architectures and cloud native capabilities help teams ship changes faster and respond to market trends.

Stronger security and compliance

Modern application security, updated controls, and improved governance reduce exposure as threats evolve.

Reduced complexity.

Modernising your applications often results in less code overall, driving a reduction in code duplication and improved code quality overall.

Faster deployment and time to market

A modern development process and consistent deployment pipelines help you release features sooner.

Business continuity built in

Design for resilience so critical services keep running during change, incidents, and platform upgrades.

Modernise apps. Reduce risk. Move faster.

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Examples of modernising your app estate

Modernise customer and operational workflows

Build modern applications that integrate with your existing systems (e.g., connecting CRM + invoicing + a third-party platform), then centralising data for reporting and business insights.

Lift-and-improve for legacy applications

Use cloud migration to stabilise workloads fast, then modernise in phases to reduce technical debt and improve scalability.

Automate repetitive processes

Modernise business processes with intelligent automation, reducing manual effort, improving accuracy, and freeing teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

Examples of modernising your app estate
What it includes

What it includes

Discovery and roadmap (proof before investment)

  • Modernisation assessment of your application’s architecture, dependencies, risk, and cost drivers
  • A practical roadmap aligned to business objectives, customer demands, and future business priorities
  • Clear sequencing: quick wins, high-risk workloads, and longer-term transformation services

Modernisation delivery (right strategy per app)

  • Rehost/replatform to stabilise and reduce operational costs
  • Refactor/re-architect to enable cloud native solutions and improved scalability
  • Rebuild/replace where legacy applications are holding growth back
  • Retire, where systems no longer justify the ongoing cost

Cloud enablement (IaaS and PaaS)

  • IaaS foundations for secure, reliable workloads on cloud infrastructure
  • PaaS uplift using managed services to reduce maintenance and improve application security
  • Governance patterns that support consistent deployment and cost savings

Integration and automation

  • Integrate CRM, finance/invoicing, and third-party platforms to reduce duplication and manual work
  • Automate repetitive business processes to improve operational efficiency and customer experience
  • Improve data management so reporting and decision-making are faster and more trustworthy

Why choose CBS for Application Modernisation services

Diagnose the real challenge

We start with discovery to understand business needs, risk, and constraints, so your application modernisation strategy is grounded in reality, not hype.

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Phased delivery for measurable outcomes

We prove value early, reduce disruption, and scale modernisation projects once results are clear.

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Built to grow with you

We modernise legacy systems with platforms and patterns that stay relevant, supporting cloud adoption, emerging technologies, and continuous improvement over time.

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Diagnose the real challenge

We start with discovery to understand business needs, risk, and constraints, so your application modernisation strategy is grounded in reality, not hype.

1/3

Phased delivery for measurable outcomes

We prove value early, reduce disruption, and scale modernisation projects once results are clear.

2/3

Built to grow with you

We modernise legacy systems with platforms and patterns that stay relevant, supporting cloud adoption, emerging technologies, and continuous improvement over time.

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"Our old system meant we had to distribute hard card lanyards for all our corporate hospitality guests. It was very labour and cost-intensive each would need to be physically printed and posted out. The need for a technological overhaul was clear—something advanced, eco-friendly, and capable of handling modern event complexities." Rebecca Lawson, Commerical Manager, SA Motor Sports Board

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Leverage Microsoft's low-code platform tools:

  
microsoft 365 logo

Microsoft 365

Modernise the Office Experience with Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 offers secure, personalised desktop interfaces for employees and streamlines updates across multiple endpoints with an easy-to-manage admin system.

Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement

Optimise Your CRM with Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement

Dynamics 365 customer engagement delivers modern CRM with AI-infused experiences and advanced data integrations, improving productivity and agility by connecting people, processes, and data.

dynamics 365 logo
Microsoft Developer tools

Developer Tools

Improve Productivity with Developer Tools

Empower your developer teams to build across Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, and more with tools supporting multiple platforms and languages. Leverage .NET, GitHub, and Visual Studio Code to build and modernise applications and drive a stronger customer experience.

Power Platform

Start Building Today with Power Platform

Develop mobile and web apps quickly and easily, no development experience necessary. This suite of user-friendly, low-code tools is designed to integrate with your existing data and cloud environment, supporting your business and save you money as you scale.

Power Platform logo

Canon Business Services ANZ are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications.

Our team of specialists, certified by Microsoft, will help you make your IT roadmap a success and find innovative ways for you to build efficient and seamless connectivity in your business.

Microsoft Business Applications designation

Delivered by experts. Trusted by industry leaders.

Bespoke strategy.
Every engagement we undertake begins with thorough research into your existing infrastructure, IT strategy, and business needs so that we can recommend a custom modernisation approach.
Business value.

Our expert team leverages advanced technologies to modernise legacy applications, enhancing their business value and preparing you for future business needs.

Mature methodology.
Our team’s deep experience with the Microsoft ecosystem allows us to support all levels of your organisation with a proven approach—from the C-suite to IT and beyond.

When legacy systems slow down your processes and expose your business to security risks, modernisation is key. Rico Gunawan, Practical Lead for Modern Applications at CBS, explores why updating your business applications is more important than ever. By modernising, you can improve efficiency, enhance security, and integrate with the latest technologies.

head of modern apps
Our approach

Our approach

We believe no business succeeds alone. That’s why we partner with you—taking the time to listen and truly understand your goals, challenges, and opportunities.


With that insight, we plan the right‑fit solutions that balance technology, process, automation, and talent, then deliver with precision and care.


The result is a trusted partnership that helps you stay agile, resilient, and confident as you move forward to meet your desired outcomes.

Other Digitisation, AI, Automation and Data Solutions

Our range of digital solutions combined with our expertise will ensure you always get the best-fit solution for your business needs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is application modernisation?

Application modernisation is the process of upgrading legacy applications and existing systems so they support modern architectures, cloud computing, and today’s security expectations. It can include cloud migration, refactoring, replatforming, rebuilding, or retiring applications, based on business needs and risk.

How do you measure success in application modernisation projects?

Success in application modernisation is measured by outcomes, not just technology change. This typically includes reduced technical debt, improved performance and scalability, lower long‑term costs, and faster time‑to‑value. The most effective programs assess each workload individually—balancing business continuity with the right mix of IaaS for speed and PaaS for long‑term efficiency—then track progress against agreed business, cost, and risk objectives.

What’s the difference between IaaS and PaaS for modernisation?

IaaS modernisation focuses on moving workloads onto cloud infrastructure (virtual machines, storage, networking). PaaS modernisation uses managed cloud services to reduce maintenance and improve scalability, often delivering stronger security and faster deployment with modern applications.

What risks should I plan for in a modernisation journey?

Common risks include integration complexity, data management issues, unexpected dependencies, and business disruption. A phased approach, clear governance, and continuous improvement reduce risk and keep application modernisation projects aligned to business objectives.

How long does an application modernisation project take?

Timelines depend on the number of existing apps, complexity of the existing architecture, and the chosen modernisation strategies. Many organisations start with discovery and a roadmap, then deliver modernisation in phases, finding early wins while planning for longer-term transformation.



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