Kiandra Insights
50% faster: how AI is transforming legacy system modernisation
Legacy systems are becoming increasingly costly to maintain and dangerously slow to adapt. As customer expectations grow and compliance requirements shift, traditional software development methods can’t keep up. AI-assisted development offers a new path forward, accelerating modernisation without compromising quality.
We explore how GenAI and code assistants like Cursor are enabling faster, lower-risk legacy modernisation projects featuring real-world insights from a recent project delivered 50% faster by Kiandra.
Why legacy systems hold back innovation
Legacy systems often:
- Are difficult to maintain or scale
- Incur high operating costs
- Create security vulnerabilities
- Prevent integration with modern tools.
Modernising them is essential but historically slow, costly, and risky.
The AI revolution in software development
Today’s GenAI tools can:
- Analyse legacy codebases in minutes
- Generate UI and integration code from natural language prompts
- Auto-document previously undocumented systems
- Help teams understand and refactor code written by long-gone developers.
By reducing the manual burden on developers, AI enables faster delivery and fewer errors.
Case study: VLLC a 50% faster transformation
VLLC’s language learning platform was trapped in a .NET desktop app. Students couldn’t access it on Mac devices, and the UI was outdated.
Kiandra used GenAI to:
- Analyse legacy .NET code
- Generate responsive front-end components using prompts
- Build integration layers for existing SOAP services.
The result:
- 50% reduction in development time
- 70% less time spent on front-end design
- Seamless access across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
How GenAI + code assistants de-risk legacy projects
AI-assisted tools:
- Reduce reliance on scarce legacy expertise
- Increase confidence in code accuracy
- Accelerate delivery without increasing headcount
- Improve documentation and maintainability.
Enterprise-grade applications
Enterprise-grade applications face constraints around cost, risk, and compliance. Modern organisations face mounting pressure to deliver seamless digital experiences.
AI-assisted development addresses both by:
- Shortening project timelines
- Enabling incremental modernisation
- Reducing dependency on expensive SME consultants
- Providing transparency and traceability through code documentation.
Getting started with AI-assisted development
You don’t have to leap in blind. Start with a code assessment to understand how AI could speed up your project.
Ready to explore AI-powered development for your organisation? Request a free code assessment
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More insights
The role of the Product Owner in successful software delivery
At Kiandra, we work closely with Product Owners to bridge the gap between their organisation’s needs and our delivery team’s technical expertise. This collaboration is crucial for keeping the project aligned to business goals, managing scope effectively, and ensuring value is delivered.
If you want trustworthy AI, don’t start with the tech
“How do we make sure our AI systems behave responsibly, not just accurately?” We get this question a lot. Usually after something has already gone a bit sideways. Here is the short answer: You build responsibility into AI from the very beginning. Guided by our B-Corp principles, we see responsible AI as a balance of purpose and effectiveness.
Lovable app review: AI prototyping and product ideation tools for clients
When working with clients in the earliest stages of a project, speed matters. The faster we can turn ideas into something visual, the sooner we can test assumptions, get feedback, and align on a direction. That’s where product ideation tools like Lovable come in.
Let’s discuss your next project
Whether you’re curious about custom software or have a specific problem to solve – we’re here to answer your questions. Fill in the following form, and we’ll be in touch soon.
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