5R Method — IT definition
A strategy used during application rationalization to determine the best approach for managing applications.
A strategy often used during application rationalization to determine the best approach for managing an organization's applications. The 5Rs represent Retire, Replace, Rehost, Replatform, and Refactor.
Each strategy offers unique benefits:
- •Retire: Remove old, unsupported, or obsolete applications
- •Replace: Use new solutions with improved features (often SaaS)
- •Rehost: Move to a different physical, virtual, or cloud location (lift-and-shift)
- •Replatform: Change the underlying platform with minor modifications
- •Refactor: Modify the application code without changing its external behavior
This method is particularly useful for cloud migration projects or application portfolio modernization initiatives.
All terms
8R Method
An extended version of the 5R method used in application portfolio management and migration strategies.
Application
A computer program or set of programs designed to automate a business process or deliver value to end users.
Architecture
Refers to the structure and behavior of IT systems, processes, and infrastructure within an organization.
CMDB
Configuration Management Database: a central repository that tracks every IT asset — applications, servers, licenses, cloud resources — and the relationships between them.
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