Top 10 Legacy Modernization Companies in 2026

Not every time will you be able to understand the cost of maintaining legacy applications, as they do not show up in quarterly results. However, the worst part is that it still silently impacts the compounds, limits innovation, exposes risks, and drains agility.

The major disconnection between modern business models and legacy IT architecture is impossible to ignore. From ageing ERP systems to COBOL-based mainframes and client-server platforms, there are several foundational systems that are not compatible with cloud-native operations, AI-led transformation, and real-time analytics. In short, your business is failing to keep up with market innovation.

As per the reports by ISG Provider Lens™ Mainframes – Services & Solutions 2025, it clearly reflects the urgency. It shows that enterprises are no longer debating whether they need to modernize legacy systems; they are now discussing how quickly they can do so without disrupting their operations. ISG equally highlights the need for a strategic shift. Enterprises that are moving beyond cost-focused replatforming initiatives and investing in deeper modernization are able to unlock scalability, support, data-driven innovation, and accelerate time to market.

So, in this blog, we will examine the leading application modernization companies that help enterprises to transform their outdated system by the use of AI augmentation, automation and outcome-led delivery models. Here we will also outline the modernization pathways, partner capabilities, and common pitfalls that create distinguishable programmes at scale.

Why is There A Need for Legacy Application Modernization in 2026?

Even though these terms are used interchangeably, like application modernization and mainframe modernization, they address different layers of the technology stack. Mainframe modernizations mostly focus on infrastructure like operating systems, hardware, platforms, and compute models. On the other hand, legacy application modernization targets business architecture, logic, data models, and code, which drive enterprise value.

This distinction clearly matters. The analysis focuses on application modernization as this is the layer where an organization can start gaining agility, future-proof their business operations, and enable automation.

So, today’s technology leaders and CIOs do not see modernization as an option. Digital-first strategies on the decade-old platform are no longer sustainable.

Major Drivers to Modernize Legacy Systems

• Increasing operational cost: Cost is one of the main pillars of an enterprise. Mainframe licensing models associated with MIPS or MSUs rise directly with transaction volumes. When you combine it with specialized vendor support, proprietary middleware, and periodic hardware updates, the total ownership cost keeps increasing.  

• Growing cybersecurity exposure: In modern times, cybersecurity threats are very common. Unsupported operating systems and outdated encryption standards are some of the basic issues that can trigger the attack surface. Industry research clearly shows that it takes more than eight months on average to identify and contain a breach. This is particularly unacceptable in the case of regulated industries. Cyber insurance and regulators therefore look for evidence of patching practices, modern security control, and vulnerability management. These are some phases that the legacy platform does not contain.

• Innovation and integration barriers: Today’s customers are looking for seamless omnichannel experience, instant feature updates, and immediate data access. Legacy platforms are built for batch processing, which complicates AI strategies and also slows system integration. According to the research, an organization that relies on batch-driven could experience a decline in customer satisfaction. This is due to the growing transaction processing times. It generally exceeds the acceptable threshold.

• Shrinking talent pool: Organizations require resources. Languages like Natural Adabas, COBOL, and older PL/SQL are not widely available. As experienced engineers start retiring, organizations start facing massive issues. It results in rising recruitment costs and is also directly associated with operational risk.

So, when you start delaying modernization, it will only amplify the challenges. Taking proper actions will allow enterprises to redirect their resources from system maintenance towards innovation and digital growth.

Approaches to Legacy Application Modernization

Before you start looking for a legacy modernization partner, other organizations need to understand the wide range of available technical strategies.

1. Encapsulation: When you wrap legacy functionality with micro front-end or API, it supports modern digital channels without changing the core systems.

2. Re-hosting: You can migrate applications to cloud infrastructure that are mostly driven by data center exits or hardware for end-of-life events.

3. Replatforming: It is important to upgrade databases or operating systems, like moving from UNIX to Linux or Oracle to an open-source alternative. This will reduce the cost of licensing and improve your organization's capability.

4. Re-architecting or Refactoring: Decomposing into micro services from monolithic applications by the use of containers, cloud-native design principles and DevSecOps.

5. Rebuilding or Replacing: Organizations can rewrite applications or adopt SaaS platforms when the existing logic is no longer supporting the current operational module.

When it comes to most large enterprises, they adopt a hybrid approach for application portfolios. GenAI-powered modernization tools are a great inclusion as they accelerate discovery, code transformation, documentation, and automated testing.

Legacy Modernization Companies in the US that Leads Enterprise Transformation

So here we will mention the names of the providers who are recognized as leaders in legacy modernization services in the US. They are known for providing enterprise-grade capabilities across industries.

1. Accenture: It is a widely popular name that delivers large-scale modernization with the use of AI-driven code analysis, deep industry expertise and cloud native framework. They also enable phased re-engineering with minimal disruption in your workflow.

2. Capgemini: Capgemini mainly uses automation and AI for streamlining their legacy code, extraction, refactoring and optimization. It embeds performance and sustainability metrics into the modernization programmes.

3. DXC Technology: They are also a leading name for legacy modernization services in the US. They apply structured portfolio assessment and platform-aware migration models, which reduce downtime and operational risk during transformation.

4. HCLTech: HCLTech mainly leverages Gen-AI platforms, along with other flexible engagement models, which support modernization in the regulated industries.  

5. Infosys: Infosys work in combination of AI-powered diagnostics, platform orchestration and the A.R.T framework, which guides their transformation. With a strong ecosystem, partnership, and delivery maturity, they help enterprises scale application modernization and are fully aligned with cloud strategies.

6. Cognizant: Cognizant is a popular name that modernizes legacy systems across industries, including insurance, healthcare, and enterprise domains. Their TriZetto solution is capable of replacing aging platforms with configuration and modern systems. Their emphasis on AI-enabled architecture, legacy modernization, services, and cloud migration works as a foundation for AI-driven transformation.

7. Hexaview Technologies: It is a growing name when it comes to legacy modernization services in the US. The major strengths lie in API-first architecture, cloud migration, and data modernization. The company have delivered a phased roadmap with the use of containerization, micro services, refactoring and hybrid cloud strategies. The consultative approach of Hexaview aligns modernization strategies with business outcomes and enables AI readiness and analytics.

8. IBM consulting: IBM consulting can deliver scalable and secure mainframe legacy modernization with the use of AI-driven automation. The analysis renovation catalyst can reduce analysis time by 40% and increase efficiency by 70%.

9. Wipro: Wipro mostly applies generative AI to simplify application development, modernization, and cloud-native adoption. The Legacy modernization services provided by them can support re-engineering, rehosting, and code rewrite with the use of mainframe emulation. Wipro enables microservices, API enablement, and containerization, and also provides capable legacy modernization services in the US.

10. Deloitte: Deloitte can deliver application modernization and migration services. Their strong focus remains on cloud architecture, future-state roadmap, and governance. With the use of technical mining, process mining, and process Bionics, Deloitte has improved compliance, security, and user experience.

How To Choose the Right Legacy Modernization Partner in the US?

Successful legacy application modernization would require maintaining a balance between business goals, organizational readiness, and technical complexity. It is important that you choose a legacy modernization service provider who pays attention to every single detail and ensures smooth transition.

• Scope with the strength of the agency: Large multi-year programmes would mostly benefit from global integrators, while targeted refactoring initiatives are mostly suitable for specialized engineering firms.

• Check AI capabilities and automation: It is important that you request a demonstration of AI based migration dashboard, discovery tools, and automated testing frameworks. Mature tooling can significantly reduce timelines and risk.

• Evaluate change management readiness: Modernization is not limited to technology. Effective partners can also provide communication plans, training, and KPIs that connect technical progress with your business goals.

• Incremental value delivery: A phased roadmap that can deliver quality improvements like cost savings, new digital features, or performance gains can be helpful to sustain and manage risk.

Hexaview's Approach to Legacy Modernization

Among the top leaders in application modernization services, Hexaview Technologies stands out. We delivered transformation through a structured, outcome-oriented model. The modernization strategies we follow are six-dimensional and supported with proprietary automation and engineering-led execution.

Hexaview applies AI-driven assessment frameworks that can analyze legacy codebases, identify modernization priorities and uncover hidden dependencies. The automation accelerators can streamline data migration, code refactoring, and regression testing. It can further reduce manual effort and defect rates. The inbuilt DevSecOps practices further ensure compliance, security, and quality.

Hexaview has already helped a global logistics organization to modernize its core system and enabled near real-time shipment visibility. We are able to deliver measurable cost efficiency that encourages faster decision-making. Choosing the right legacy modernization partner will not only benefit in operation but is strategically associated with business goals.

Legacy Modernization Services That Drive ROI in 2026 and Beyond

Technical debt, when left unresolved, is more like a financial interest. The longer it remains unresolved, the greater the cost for the long term. Whether an organization is starting with AI enablement or application rebuilding, the objective is to reduce risk, enable continuous innovation, and optimize cost.

When you start with targeted pilots and expand through controlled phases, enterprises can easily and strategically convert aging systems into organizational assets. The application modernization companies mentioned here are proven partners with distinct strengths.

If you’re ready to re-imagine the legacy environment, your path is open.

FAQs

What is legacy modernization?

Legacy modernization is a widely used term that transforms outdated systems like COBOL, mainframe and monolithic applications into scalable, modern and secure platforms with the use of re-hosting, cloud-native architecture, and replatforming.

How long does it take to modernize legacy systems?

There is no particular answer to this, as the timeline varies. Simple re-hosting can take somewhere between 3 and 6 months, as well as large-scale refactoring, mainframe programmes and data modernization can take somewhere between 12 and 36 months with phased delivery.

How can automation and AI help?

AI-driven automation can accelerate code analysis, refactoring, and testing, which reduces risk, shorten timelines, and improves quality across the complicated legacy applications

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