Modernization of information systems at Red.es: An approach based on gap analysis and ADM

Abstract

This paper presents a method for the modernization of information systems that allow organizations to maintain the capabilities of existing information systems. This method defines a horseshoe-like process based on ADM (Architecture-Driven Modernization), and applies gap-analysis techniques to detect the possible reuse of current functionalities to build modernized systems. The proposal has been developed, refined and validated at Red.es, one of the Spanish Government’s Public Entities. Our proposal includes the definition of a process, the models used in each step, and sets of rules that can be used to progress in this process. The proposed method thus permits systematic progress to be made in a system modernization process: obtaining the business models of the legacy system, comparing them with redefined business models incorporating new business rules, and finally, implementing them by adapting and reusing the existing code.