## IBM CIO organization’s application modernization journey and the Mono2Micro tool

IBM’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) organization has been on a journey to modernize applications, seeking a solution to the challenges posed by monolithic architectures. Legacy systems are complex to modify, costly to maintain, and can even pose significant business risks, as demonstrated by Southwest Airlines’ major flight cancellations in December 2022 due to outdated software systems and IT infrastructure. On the flip side, companies like Netflix, which embraced microservices architecture, have flourished, evident in their position as a market leader in online streaming with millions of subscribers worldwide.

Application modernization introduces reusable services, enhancing productivity and expediting the delivery of new features. In this blog post, we dive into the architectural modernization of Java™ 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) applications, shedding light on how IBM’s Mono2Micro™ tool has accelerated this transformation.

### The Modernization Process

The initial phase of architectural modernization involves decoupling the client-side UI from server-side components and transitioning the data exchange mechanism from Java objects to JSON. This separation enables the independent modernization and deployment of front-end and back-end services. Subsequently, the backend code is broken down into individually deployable macroservices.

IBM’s Mono2Micro Tool, an AI-based, semi-automated toolset, employs innovative machine learning algorithms and unique code generation technology to facilitate the conversion of monolithic applications into microservices. By examining the monolithic application both statically and dynamically, the tool provides insights and recommendations on how to partition the application into potential microservices.

### Key Benefits

Notably, Mono2Micro has demonstrated its value by saving over 800 hours of manual effort in assessing, redesigning, and developing microservices architecture for a large financing application in the CIO portfolio. Setting up Mono2Micro can take a few hours, but the time invested is outweighed by the savings achieved in transforming a monolith into deployable microservices.

In conclusion, modernization tools such as IBM Mono2Micro and Cloud Transformation Advisor contribute to accelerated transformation and cost efficiency. However, the true differentiators lie in the platform and the people. Properly sizing the infrastructure and cultivating a community of collaborative developers are crucial aspects of this modernization journey.

Modernization not only drives innovation and agility but also enhances system security, simplifies data management, and boosts developer productivity, ultimately leading to cost efficiency, resiliency, and improved customer experiences.

### Additional Information

As part of IBM’s ongoing efforts in modernization, it’s crucial to note the broader impact and benefits that such initiatives have on the organization. Application modernization is a critical process that can significantly transform not just the technology stack but also the internal culture and operations of a company.

#### FAQ

1. **What is the Mono2Micro tool?**
– Mono2Micro is an AI-based, semi-automated toolset developed by IBM that aims to assist in the transformation of monolithic applications into microservices. It utilizes machine learning algorithms and code generation technology.

2. **What are the benefits of application modernization?**
– Application modernization results in increased productivity, accelerated delivery of new features, enhanced system security, and simplified data management. It also promotes innovation, agility, and improved customer experiences.

3. **How does Mono2Micro contribute to modernization efforts?**
– By providing insights and recommendations for the partitioning of monolithic applications into potential microservices, Mono2Micro accelerates the transformation process and saves significant manual effort.

4. **What are the key differentiators in application modernization?**
– While modernization tools play a crucial role, the true differentiators lie in properly sizing the infrastructure and building a community of collaborative developers.

Sources:
– [IBM Blog](https://www.ibm.com/blogs/ibm-computer-services/2024/01/08/ibm-cio-organizations-application-modernization-journey-mono2micro/)