Kiandra Insights

50% faster: how AI is transforming legacy system modernisation

Cassandra Wallace - Head of Software Engineering
by
Cassandra Wallace
Head of Software Engineering
|
April 29, 2025
Cassandra Wallace
Head of Software Engineering
April 29, 2025
A dynamic, abstract image showing a stream of three-dimensional arrows, mostly blue, all moving in the same direction against a dark background. A red and blue glow accentuates the movement, creating a sense of speed and momentum.

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 Students couldn’t access it on Mac devices, and the UI was outdated.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

Share article
LinkedIn.com

More insights

A series of green arrows pointing right cut through a chaotic background of red arrows pointing in random directions. Small metallic tokens with green centres are placed along the green arrows, symbolising order, focus, and direction amid disorder.

MONSON: From chaos to control

Cassandra Wallace
19/5/2025

You know what chaos looks like – disjointed systems, endless manual data entry, staff wasting hours updating spreadsheets while shipments sit idle, and customers left waiting, wondering, chasing updates again and again.

Read more
Colourful graphic for the 2025 ARN Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA), featuring the text "ARN WIICTA Women in ICT Awards 2025" on the left and a gold banner with the word "WINNER!" on the right, set against a vibrant background of purples, blues, and pinks with bokeh-style light effects.

Kiandra’s Cassandra Wallace wins Women in ICT Award

Tom Wills
19/5/2025

Kiandra is proud to announce that Cassandra Wallace, Head of Software Engineering, has been named a winner in the 2025 ARN Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA), taking out top honours in the Shining Star category.

Read more
A healthcare professional wearing blue scrubs and a stethoscope uses a digital tablet in a clinical setting.

From 12 months to 5: WA Health's medical invoicing system delivered rapidly with low-code

Cassandra Wallace
14/5/2025

When the WA Health system needed to replace a 25-year-old platform used to manage and process payments for more than 1,000 contracted medical professionals, the pressure was on.

Read more

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.

Email

Would you like to receive an occasional email showcasing the latest insights, articles and news from our team of software experts?

Thanks for reaching out! One of our software experts will be in
touch soon to help you with your enquiry
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By browsing our website you consent to the use of cookies as detailed in our Privacy Policy