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 Students couldn’t access it on Mac devices, and the UI was outdated.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