Why Move from Legacy Applications and Workflows to Microsoft Power Platform?

Tech
July 28, 2025

Organizations relying on aging or unsupported systems like InfoPath, SharePoint Designer, or Lotus Notes are sitting on a ticking time bomb. These platforms often lack scalability, modern security, cloud compatibility, and integration with today’s AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot. It’s not just a technical issue; it is a strategic risk.

Common Legacy Platforms (and Why They’re Holding You Back)

Many organizations still rely on legacy platforms that were once foundational but now pose significant challenges in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. These systems often lack modern capabilities, are difficult to maintain, and create barriers to innovation, scalability, and integration with cloud-native tools.

Here’s a snapshot of what we often see:

Legacy Platform Typical Use Case Risks in 2025 and Beyond
.NET (Web Forms, MVC 5)

Custom apps for HR, finance, service, and operations

Hard to update, lacks mobile/cloud, needs specialized devs
InfoPath Forms and approvals Deprecated, unsupported by Microsoft
SharePoint Designer Workflows Business process automation SharePoint 2010 workflows fully retired; 2013 workflows are being deprecated
Lotus Notes / Domino Older workflows, records, and task tracking Very few experts remain, not cloud-based
On-prem SharePoint (2010/2013) Forms, workflows, and document libraries Expired support, security gaps, can’t integrate with M365 or Copilot
Excel/Access-based Workflows Ad-hoc automations, calculations, and intake forms Data fragmentation, manual errors, not scalable or secure

 

Why Microsoft Power Platform is the Right Move

As organizations seek to modernize and future-proof their operations, Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse) stands out as a powerful, low-code alternative to legacy systems.

It offers faster development, easier maintenance, seamless integration, and built-in support for AI and automation—all while reducing long-term costs. The comparison below highlights how Power Platform outperforms traditional legacy technologies across key areas critical to digital transformation.

 

Feature / Capability Legacy (.NET, InfoPath, SharePoint Designer, etc.) Power Platform 
Development Speed Custom-coded, long dev cycles Low-code drag-and-drop app building, faster time to value
Maintenance Needs developers for every change Power Users can update forms and flows without IT reliance
Integration Custom code for every integration Native integration with Microsoft 365, Dataverse, Teams, Dynamics, and 600+ connectors
Mobility Requires separate mobile app dev Power Apps are mobile-ready by default
Security & Compliance Varies, often patchwork Centralized, role-based access control, Microsoft compliance & Purview support
AI and Automation Manual or custom-integrated Built-in AI Builder and Copilot support
Hosting On-prem servers or costly Azure infrastructure Fully cloud-native in the Microsoft ecosystem
Cost Over Time High development + infrastructure + licensing + risk costs Lower TCO through consolidation, reuse, and licensing efficiency

 

 

 Real ROI: Numbers that Matter

The value of the Power Platform is real and quantifiable. According to the Forrester Total Economic Impact study of Power Platform, organizations saw:

  • 74% reduction in app development time
  • 502% ROI over 3 years
  • Up to 27% reduction in legacy licensing and infrastructure costs
  • 15–25% efficiency gain across departments due to streamlined processes and reduced manual work

These aren’t just numbers—they reflect real-world savings and productivity gains.

Your Modernization Roadmap

If you want to see similar results for your organization, you need a clear plan to begin modernizing your applications. Elantis makes modernization achievable, not overwhelming. Here are the simple steps we take to modernize your applications:

Step 1: Discovery & Inventory

  • Identify and catalogue legacy forms, apps, and workflows (.NET, InfoPath, SPD, Lotus Notes, Excel, etc.)
  • Assess business value, risk, and complexity

Step 2: Prioritization & Planning

  • Score and group based on complexity, usage, redundancy, and quick wins.
  • Create a phased application migration plan

Step 3: Rebuild on Power Platform

  • Convert legacy forms to Power Apps
  • Recreate workflow logic in Power Automate
  • Centralize data in Dataverse or SharePoint Online
  • Apply security and access policies aligned to Microsoft 365 standards

Step 4: Enablement

  • Train business users to enhance and maintain apps
  • Set up a Power Apps Center of Excellence

Step 5: Support & Optimize

  • Monitor, govern, and optimize usage
  • Continuously improve, based on user feedback

 

Beyond Migration: A Strategic Leap Forward

Modernization isn’t just about upgrading tech; it’s a chance to:

  • Eliminate technical debt
  • Future-proof your systems for AI and Copilot integration
  • Align with Microsoft’s governance and compliance ecosystem
  • Empower your workforce with smarter tools

Whether you’re in the public sector or a regulated industry, Elantis has deep experience guiding organizations through successful transformations. We go beyond lift-and-shift and help you unlock long-term value.

 

Ready to retire outdated systems without disrupting operations?

Elantis brings deep expertise in rebuilding legacy workflows for the public sector, regulated industries, and organizations needing structured governance. We don’t just move your systems – we help you modernize your operations.

Let’s connect to explore how you can start small, demonstrate quick wins, and scale smart, backed by Elantis’ proven modernization approach. 👉 Contact us

Your Success is Our Priority

When you partner with Elantis, you get more than technology solutions — you get a team that’s dedicated to your success. We focus on building long-term partnerships, ensuring you have the tools, resources, and support to achieve lasting success. 

Ready transform your business? Let’s get started.