Legacy Software Modernisation
Update ageing systems step by step, reducing risk and cost while the business keeps running.
Modernise without stopping the business
Many businesses rely on software written years ago by developers who have since moved on. It still works, mostly, but changes are slow and risky, hosting is outdated, security updates are overdue and nobody wants to touch the code.
Maetheon Ltd helps companies in the UK, the US, Canada and Australia modernise these systems safely. We start with an audit, then recommend the lowest-risk path: stabilising what exists, refactoring it in stages or rebuilding it alongside the old system and switching over gradually.
You work with a UK-registered company and a remote engineering team that documents everything as it goes, so you are never again dependent on knowledge that only one person holds.
How we modernise your software
Code & infrastructure audit
A clear report on risks, security issues, technical debt and options, with costs.
Stabilisation
Fixing urgent bugs and security issues, adding backups, monitoring and documentation.
Refactoring
Improving the code in small, tested steps so it becomes easier and safer to change.
Framework & language upgrades
Moving to supported versions of PHP, Node.js, databases and frameworks.
Cloud migration
Moving from old servers to modern, managed cloud hosting with lower risk.
Phased rebuild
Replacing the system piece by piece while the old one keeps running.
Is your software due for modernisation?
A good fit if you…
- Are running unsupported versions of languages or frameworks
- Find every change takes too long or breaks something else
- Have lost the original developers
- Face security or compliance concerns
- Pay too much for old hosting
Choosing the right modernisation path
Stabilise first
Before improving anything, we make the current system safe: backups that restore, monitoring that alerts, and tests around the most important business rules. This protects you whichever path you choose.
Refactor when the core is sound
If the business logic is still right and the code is workable, gradual refactoring and upgrades are usually the cheapest, lowest-risk route. Each step ships on its own.
Rebuild in slices when it isn't
When a rebuild is justified, we replace the system one area at a time and run old and new side by side. Traffic moves across gradually, so there's no risky "big bang" switchover.
Our process
Audit
Review code, hosting, data and processes, and interview the people who use the system.
Roadmap
A phased plan with priorities, risks and costs.
Stabilise
Tests, backups, monitoring and urgent fixes first.
Modernise in stages
Refactor or replace components one at a time.
Hand over
Documentation and optional ongoing support.
Pricing & timelines
| Option | What it covers | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Code & infrastructure audit | Report with risks, options and costs | Quoted on system size |
| Modernisation project | Agreed phases from the roadmap | Quoted after audit |
| Ongoing support | Maintenance and continued improvements | From £1,200 / month |
Typical timeline: Audits typically take 1–3 weeks; modernisation runs in phases agreed in the roadmap. Prices exclude any applicable taxes; every project gets a fixed written quote. See the full pricing guide.
Why work with us
A UK contract
You work with a company registered in England & Wales, with written scopes, clear terms and invoices in GBP.
Fixed, transparent pricing
Written quotes and milestone billing. Any change in scope is quoted before we do the work.
You own the results
Code, designs, footage and accounts belong to you on final payment, with full handover.
Experience from our own products
We run 17 live products, so launches, growth, support and search visibility are everyday work for us.
Frequently asked questions
Should we refactor or rebuild?
Will the system go offline during modernisation?
Can you work with code nobody understands?
How long does modernisation take?
Do you migrate data?
Related services
Areas we serve
Worried about an ageing system?
Tell us what you want to build or grow. We reply within one business day with clear next steps and a written quote.