How much does it cost to migrate legacy software?
It is the first question and the hardest to answer without seeing the system: any figure over the phone would be made up. What can be explained is what the cost depends on and how to reach a fixed quote before committing to anything.
What moves the cost the most
Size of the application
Number of screens, reports, automatic processes and business rules. It is the factor that weighs the most.
Whether the source code exists
With the code, the job is migrating. Without it, the logic must first be recovered from the executable, which adds effort.
Source technology
Recovering .NET, which survives compilation well, does not cost the same as rebuilding a native application.
Data
Volume, quality and duplicates. Migrating dirty data requires cleaning and verification.
Integrations
Connecting to your ERP, invoicing or APIs adds work, but it is also where the value usually is.
Running in parallel
Migrating module by module with both systems running at once is safer than switching off and on, and requires planning.
How a fixed quote is reached
Free first consultation
A conversation to understand what the application does, what it is built with and what you keep. No cost or commitment.
Technical assessment
Analysis of executables, database and dependencies. It is quoted before starting, with scope and price agreed.
Report with options
What can be recovered, what the risks are and the alternatives (maintain, migrate in phases or rewrite) with their estimated effort.
Fixed quote by phase
Each phase with deliverables and checkpoints, so you can decide how far to go.
How to avoid overruns
Assess before deciding
Quotes without seeing the system usually end in surprises. The assessment is cheap compared with getting it wrong.
Migrate in phases
Starting with what carries the most risk or value lets you stop if something does not add up.
Lock in behaviour with tests
Proving the new system does the same as the old one avoids expensive repairs after the old system is switched off.
Keep all the documentation
Backups, access, manuals and who uses what. Every piece of information you already have is work you do not pay for twice.
We only work on software you own or have the right to act on. This is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can you give me a price without seeing the application?
Not honestly. The price depends on size, technology and the condition of the code. That is why we start with a free consultation and, if it is worthwhile, an assessment quoted before starting.
How much does the assessment cost?
It is quoted according to the size of the system, with scope and price agreed before starting. The first consultation, however, is free.
Is it cheaper to rewrite from scratch?
Rarely. The application holds years of undocumented business rules and rewriting loses or reinvents them. We decide with data in the assessment.
Can I pay in phases?
Yes. The quote is built in phases with clear deliverables, so after each one you can decide whether to continue.
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Contact
Email: jmoreno@stellariscode.com · Phone: +34 654 51 63 65