Refactor Legacy Defense Applications for Cloud-Native Operations.
As an SDVOSB-certified firm, we understand the stakes in Colorado Springs. We specialize in the incremental modernization of high-stakes command, control, and space-domain systems for 24/7 reliability.
Monolithic, on-prem systems can't keep pace with mission requirements.
Legacy command-and-control platforms and logistics tools were built for a different era. Now, they're brittle, expensive to maintain, and slow to update. Deploying a simple patch can take weeks of approvals and risk system-wide failure. Integrating modern sensors or data feeds is a custom, one-off project. These monolithic architectures, often tied to on-prem hardware at Peterson SFB or Fort Carson, create unacceptable operational risk and prevent rapid adaptation to new threats. The cost of inaction is measured in lost capability, not just dollars.
- Deployment cycles measured in months, not hours, for critical updates.
- Security patching is a high-risk, all-or-nothing event.
- Inability to scale resources during high-tempo operations.
- Vendor-locked hardware dependencies create budget and supply chain risks.
A phased, low-risk migration to a secure, resilient architecture.
- STEP-01
Phase 0: Baseline System Analysis
We conduct a deep-dive analysis of your existing codebase, dependencies, and operational constraints. This isn't a paper exercise; we map the actual data flows and failure points to establish a clear, shared understanding of the system.
- STEP-02
Phase 1: Isolate and Containerize
We identify and isolate stable components of the monolith, containerizing them using Docker. This creates immediate portability and simplifies dependency management without rewriting the entire application, preparing for the move to Azure Government.
- STEP-03
Phase 2: Strangle The Monolith
Using the Strangler Fig Pattern, we incrementally build new microservices around the legacy core. New functionality is built cloud-native, gradually routing traffic away from the old system until it can be safely decommissioned. No big-bang cutovers.
- STEP-04
Phase 3: Automate CI/CD Pipelines
We establish automated build, test, and deployment pipelines using tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions. This enforces security scans, standardizes deployments, and enables rapid, reliable delivery of new capabilities to operators.
- STEP-05
Phase 4: Continuous Monitoring and Optimization
Post-migration, we implement robust monitoring with tools like Prometheus and Grafana. We track performance against mission SLAs, optimize cloud resource consumption, and ensure the system remains resilient and secure under operational load.
trigger:
- main
resources:
- repo: self
variables:
dockerRegistryServiceConnection: 'your-acr-connection'
imageRepository: 'mission-critical-app'
containerRegistry: 'yourregistry.azurecr.io'
imageTag: '$(Build.BuildId)'
vmImageName: 'ubuntu-latest'
stages:
- stage: Build
displayName: Build and Push stage
jobs:
- job: Build
displayName: Build
pool:
vmImage: $(vmImageName)
steps:
- task: Docker@2
displayName: Build and push an image to container registry
inputs:
command: buildAndPush
repository: $(imageRepository)
dockerfile: '$(Build.SourcesDirectory)/Dockerfile'
containerRegistry: $(dockerRegistryServiceConnection)
tags: |
$(imageTag)Example Azure Pipeline for building and pushing a containerized application to Azure Container Registry (ACR), a key step in automating deployments for modernized systems.
Field FAQ.
→ How do you modernize a system that can't have any downtime?
We use a phased approach, specifically the Strangler Fig Pattern. We build new services around the existing core, incrementally routing traffic to the new components. This allows us to replace functionality piece by piece without a 'big bang' cutover. We also use blue-green deployments for new releases, maintaining the old version on standby for immediate rollback. This strategy is designed for zero-downtime environments where mission failure is not an option.
→ What makes you qualified for DoD or space-domain projects?
As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), our team has direct experience with the operational realities of defense and space missions. We're not just coders; we're veterans who have used these systems in the field. We understand security requirements like STIGs, the RMF process, and the unique demands of systems operating in classified or air-gapped environments. Our focus is on mission success, not just technical elegance.
→ Can you work with our existing prime contractor and government personnel?
Absolutely. We are built to integrate seamlessly into existing program structures. Our engineers augment your current teams, providing specialized modernization skills without disrupting established workflows. As an SDVOSB, we are accustomed to the communication protocols and contractual requirements of federal projects and work collaboratively with both government program offices and prime contractors to achieve shared objectives. We provide the expertise, not the friction.
→ Why migrate to Azure Government instead of a commercial cloud?
Azure Government is designed specifically for the security and compliance needs of the U.S. government. It provides the necessary Impact Level (IL4, IL5, IL6) environments required for handling CUI, ITAR, and classified data. Its physical datacenters and network are isolated to the US and operated by screened US persons, which is a hard requirement for many of the systems we work on in the Colorado Springs area.
→ Our system is written in a legacy language like Ada or COBOL. Can you still help?
Yes. Our expertise isn't tied to a single language. The principles of modernization—isolating functionality, wrapping it in APIs, and incrementally replacing it—are language-agnostic. While we may not rewrite the core in its original language, we will build modern services in languages like Go, Python, or C# that interface with the legacy system, strangling it over time until it's fully replaced.
→ What's the typical timeline for a modernization project?
This varies with system complexity, but we don't do multi-year death marches. We target meaningful, tangible results within the first 3-6 months, such as containerizing a key component or automating a deployment pipeline. A full modernization might take 12-24 months, but it's executed in phases, delivering value and reducing risk at every stage. We prioritize incremental wins over a distant, monolithic delivery date.
→ How does being an SDVOSB benefit our project?
Our SDVOSB status provides significant advantages for federal contracting. It allows for streamlined acquisition through set-asides and sole-source awards, reducing procurement timelines. More importantly, it signifies a team of veterans who are deeply committed to the mission. We bring a level of discipline, integrity, and operational understanding that is ingrained in our military service and directly benefits the execution of your project.
→ Do you only work on-site in Colorado Springs?
While we are based here and prioritize hands-on collaboration, we operate a hybrid model. Our cleared personnel can work on-site at facilities like Schriever, Peterson, or contractor locations as required. For unclassified work, we leverage secure remote access to maximize efficiency and talent allocation. The engagement model is tailored to your program's specific security and operational requirements.
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