Consultation for 32 bit to 64 bit Migration
Delivered a strong proof-of-concept with a module that changed their approach to module-based migration
The client is an industry-leading supplier of automatic test equipment (ATE) and related test software for advanced semiconductor manufacturing companies across the globe. The test software application uses diverse technologies having total around 18 million Lines of Code, and still expanding. The test software is running with 32-bit Excel on 32-bit Windows 7 with hundreds of modules written in different technologies like VBA, VB6, C++, C#, etc.
Client wanted to overcome 32-bit memory limitation and take advantage of 64-bit memory by upgrading from a 32-Bit to a 64-Bit operating environment. Client has their own development environment and team, but they were worried because of the size and time complexity of the project.
The biggest problem was that they were not very confident with their self-designed migration approach and were worried about unexpected results of migration which could probably show up after 1-2 years of development efforts.
The Problem
Since, 32 bit windows has memory limitation, client wanted to utilize 64bit memory addressing that expands the address space available to meet future memory requirements of the application. Also that will help client in competition and to align to the market trend.
- There should be minimal negative impact to existing features, test programs, applications and compatibility
- There must be no performance deviation in 64 bit migration
- In 64bit migrated application, there should be minimal efforts to convert already written test programs to 64-bit
- The plan of migration of such a huge software application needs to be well defined for each technologies as well as for each modules of the application
Client wanted us to review their migration approach and provide suggestion for smooth and successful migration, based on our previous experience in migration.
The Solution
Having expertise in respective technology, we offered the best plan for Upgrading from a 32-Bit to a 64-Bit Operating Environment for each technology and each module of the software application – along with well-defined steps/milestones for the migration.
We used the off-shore and On-site data analysis methodology to completely study their migration approach and major modules of existing software application architecture.
Our migration approach:
- Selective module approach that will help to start with migrating affected modules first and then migrate remaining modules one by one
- Use of a 32/64 mixed environment initially which can allow the client to immediately test the migrated module
- Provided POC (Proof of Concept) for the migration approach using existing modules of the software along with detail documentation to the client
- Technology wise (C++, C#, VBA, etc.) migration guideline that describes what must be taken care of while migrating from 32 bit to 64 bit
- Provided process flow for executing the migration of whole application in a phased manner
- Radix suggested to start the process by first writing the Test cases for the modules to be migrated
Major Achievements
- Radix provided a strong proof-of-concept with a module and with documentation and changed their approach to module based migration. The POC proved to be the confidence builder and client immediately started work on development phase which was stagnant for 2 years in an analysis stage.
- Client started the process as suggested, by writing the test cases for the modules to be migrated first.
