Microsoft published a blog post about designing a modernization approach that unites strategy, processes, and technology. The blog starts by discussing the challenges of modernization, and then uses the Forrester Application Modernization Checklist to show how a holistic modernization approach can help address them. The challenges include organizational and technical barriers, such as businesses relying on sprawling legacy app estates, manual processes, security concerns, a shortage of skilled IT professionals, and getting leadership buy-in. Failing to address these challenges can have serious consequences like increased risk, platform-wide setbacks, and skyrocketing operating expenses. A holistic modernization approach covers three key focus areas: strategy, processes, and technology. Strategy includes ensuring leadership buy-in, embracing a mix of broad and focused approaches to AI and generative AI, ensuring that all organizational units and technology stacks are well-aligned, building a roadmap for implementing, measuring, and tracking modernization and AI initiatives over time, and involving the workforce. Processes include mapping operational processes directly to modernization activities, viewing cloud migration as a means to realizing AI value, adopting modern operational approaches, and tracking the outcomes of this shift. Technology includes limiting technology sprawl and upgrading tech stacks, organizing your approach to security early on, and seeking out strategic partners. The blog concludes by discussing the benefits of modernization, which include increased efficiency, improved technical capabilities, and AI readiness.