Case Study: Modernizing Legacy Java EE 6 with Quarkus and Microsoft Services

Introduction:
Kiktronik Limited, a leading technology firm, embarked on a transformative journey to modernize their aging Java EE 6 application running on IBM WebSphere. This case study outlines the meticulous steps taken to migrate the application to Java 11, leveraging the Quarkus framework for containerization and harnessing Microsoft services for enhanced development and deployment.

Challenges:
The existing Java EE 6 application posed compatibility challenges with the evolving technological landscape. High resource consumption on IBM WebSphere and the need for improved scalability prompted Kiktronik to explore modernization options.

Steps Taken:

1. Assessment and Planning:

• Conducted a thorough evaluation of the current application and identified Java 11 compatibility requirements.
• Strategized a migration plan, considering factors like downtime, data migration, and potential obstacles.

2. Update Codebase for Java 11:

• Undertook a comprehensive codebase refactoring to align with Java 11 features and best practices.
• Addressed deprecated APIs and modernized libraries for improved performance and compatibility.

3. Containerization with Quarkus:

• Selected Quarkus as the containerization framework for its lightweight nature and efficiency.
• Successfully containerized the application, achieving faster startup times and optimized resource utilization.

4. Transition to Lightweight Application Containers:

• Migrated from IBM WebSphere to a more agile container environment, adopting Microsoft’s Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
• Configured seamless integration, ensuring the application’s adaptability to the lightweight containerization platform.

5. Data Migration and Testing:

• Developed and executed a robust data migration plan to facilitate a smooth transition.
• Conducted thorough testing, including unit tests, integration tests, and performance testing, ensuring the application’s functionality in the new environment.

6. Integration with Microsoft Services:

• Integrated the application with Microsoft services, including Azure DevOps for streamlined CI/CD pipelines, Azure Monitor for real-time insights, and Azure Database services for efficient database management.

7. Deployment and Monitoring:

• Deployed the containerized application using Azure Kubernetes Service, optimizing the deployment process through continuous monitoring.
• Implemented monitoring solutions for comprehensive oversight of application performance, errors, and resource utilization.

Outcome:

• Successfully migrated from Java EE 6 on IBM WebSphere to Java 11 with Quarkus, realizing improved performance and scalability.
• Leveraged Microsoft services to enhance development workflows, from CI/CD pipelines to real-time monitoring.
• Reduced infrastructure costs and increased application agility to meet evolving business needs.

Conclusion:
Kiktronik Limited’s strategic migration not only brought their legacy application up to date but also positioned them for future innovation and efficiency. This case study serves as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through a well-executed modernization strategy, blending cutting-edge technologies like Quarkus and Microsoft services.