Will I lose the historical data from the old program?

No. Data migration is a core part of the project: we transfer records, history and documents, clean them and check that totals match the old system before the final switch.

Will we have to stop working during the migration?

Usually not. We develop and test in parallel and agree the switch-over with you, often over a weekend or a quieter period. Where possible the two systems run side by side for a while.

We have no source code or documentation. Is migration still possible?

Yes. We can rebuild how it works by observing the program, its reports and its database structure. It takes more analysis, but it is common with older software.

Is it better to rewrite from scratch or upgrade what we have?

It depends on the state of the code and the original technology. After the analysis we present the options with their benefits, risks and costs, so you can decide on solid grounds.

Will the new software feel like the old one?

We keep the logic and workflows your team is used to and improve what is awkward today. The aim is for people to feel at home straight away, with fewer steps and more features.

Legacy software migration without downtime

Legacy software migration is the move of an ageing program, often built many years ago and still essential, onto current, secure and maintainable technology. It is for companies that rely on a long-standing management system that still works but is increasingly hard to update, connect to other systems or teach to new colleagues.

“Legacy” means software that is still in use but based on languages, databases or operating systems that are no longer supported. PragaWeb rewrites or upgrades it step by step, keeping the historical data and the business logic that matter to your work, without stopping operations.

Signs it is time to migrate

The program only runs on an old computer or an unsupported version of Windows.
Whoever built it is no longer reachable and nobody really knows the code.
It cannot be used remotely, on tablets or across several sites.
Connecting it to e-commerce, e-invoicing or other services is impossible or very expensive.
Backups are manual and you are not sure they work.
Every small change takes ages and risks breaking something else.

What legacy software migration includes

Analysis of the existing system: we study features, database, reports and integrations, even with no documentation, and decide what to keep, simplify or drop.
Data migration: we move customer records, history, documents and transactions into the new database, removing duplicates and running consistency checks.
Rewrite or upgrade of the application: a new web or desktop interface, with calculation logic faithfully reproduced and checked against real cases.
Integrations: the new software can connect to e-commerce, accounting and external services through APIs.
Training and documentation: practical guides and sessions for your team, so the transition is gradual.

Which strategy: rewrite, upgrade or migrate gradually?

Not all migrations are the same. There are three main routes:

Technical upgrade: the software stays, but its language, libraries and database are moved to supported versions. Best when the code is still in good shape.
Full rewrite: a new application reproduces and improves the useful features. Best when the original technology has been abandoned.
Gradual migration: features are replaced one at a time by new modules while the old system keeps working. The most cautious choice for large, critical systems.

We recommend the right route after the analysis, explaining the benefits, risks and costs of each.

How we work

Listening: we watch how the program is actually used and note the habits your team values.
Analysis and inventory: we list features, tables, reports and connections, and assess data quality.
Phased proposal: we set out strategy, priorities, timing and costs, in releasable phases.
Development and trial migrations: we repeat the data transfer several times on copies until the numbers add up.
Parallel running: where possible, old and new systems run side by side for a while so you can compare results.
Final switch and support: we pick the least critical moment for the changeover together and stay with you afterwards.

Source and target technologies

We often work on applications built in Microsoft Access, Visual Basic 6, Delphi, FoxPro or old versions of PHP, and on databases such as Access, Paradox or older MySQL and SQL Server versions. We move them to modern web applications with up-to-date databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, hosted on servers or in the cloud with managed hosting. If the new software becomes the core of your business, we design it as a proper custom business management system.

Timing and costs: what they depend on

the size of the program: number of features, screens and reports;
whether documentation and source code are available;
the amount and quality of historical data to transfer;
integrations with other systems to keep or add;
the chosen strategy: upgrade, rewrite or gradual migration.

Migrating a small program typically takes a few weeks; larger systems take several months and are split into phases, each delivering something usable.

Why choose PragaWeb

One point of contact from analysis through development to the final switch.
You own the code and data: the new software is documented, so you will not end up tied to a single person again.
Respect for existing habits: we modernise the technology without forcing your team to relearn everything.
Accessibility and speed as standard: new interfaces follow WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines and run well on older devices too.

Do you have an old program that worries you? Contact us for a review of your legacy software: we will tell you honestly which route makes sense.

Legacy software migration

In short