Insights
Rehost vs Replatform vs Refactor: A Decision Framework for Modernization
A fast decision tree to pick show-your-work modernization paths that map to business outcomes.
Rehost, replatform, refactor—pick with intent
Modernization decisions are often made emotionally (“we should refactor everything”). A better approach is a simple decision framework based on risk, timeline, and the business outcome you need.
The quick decision tree
- Rehost when you need speed and stability (and you’ll optimize later).
- Replatform when you can make targeted platform changes (managed DB, containerization) for meaningful gains.
- Refactor when the architecture blocks mission outcomes (scale, resiliency, security) and you can invest time.
Questions that drive the right choice
- What’s the deadline and what happens if we miss it?
- Where is the operational pain (deployments, scaling, incidents)?
- What compliance constraints apply (data, logging, access control)?
- Can we isolate the risky parts and modernize incrementally?
A pragmatic path for SMBs
- Rehost to establish cloud foundations and stop the bleeding.
- Replatform the most painful dependencies (databases, queues, CI/CD).
- Refactor only where it drives clear outcomes.
Next steps
We can help you map apps to the right strategy and build a modernization backlog that ships value every sprint.