Legacy Software to API Architecture (Perth Case Study)
Upgrading a decades-old system to a modern API-based platform — without losing a single record. A Perth-based services company had outgrown their original software but couldn't afford to start from scratch. We separated the backend from the frontend, introduced a proper API layer, and gave them a modern interface — all while preserving 20+ years of business data. Results delivered: - 100% data preserved from legacy database - 60% reduction in maintenance costs - New features delivered 4x faster - Staff onboarding time cut from weeks to days
Perth Services Company
The Challenge
A well-established Perth business had been running the same software for over 20 years. It did the job — mostly — but the interface was clunky, changes took forever, and their developer had moved on. Nobody wanted to touch the code. The biggest concern? The database held two decades of client records, job histories, and financial data. A full rebuild would have cost a fortune and risked losing critical information. They needed a smarter path forward.
The Solution
Instead of ripping everything out and starting again, we introduced an API layer between the old database and a brand-new frontend. Think of it as putting a modern shopfront on a solid building — the structure stays, but the experience completely changes. We mapped every table, every relationship, and every business rule in the existing database. Then we built clean REST APIs that let the new React interface talk to the same data. Staff got a modern, easy-to-use system on day one — and the business kept every record it had ever created.
Technologies Used
Our Approach
Database & Business Rule Mapping
3 weeksDocumented the full database schema, business logic, and data relationships built up over two decades. Identified what to keep, what to restructure, and what to retire.
API Layer Design & Build
6 weeksBuilt a clean API layer using Node.js that connects the legacy database to modern interfaces. Every endpoint was tested against real production data.
New Interface Development
8 weeksDesigned and built a React-based frontend tailored to how the team actually works. Focused on speed, clarity, and reducing clicks.
Migration, Testing & Go-Live
3 weeksRan both systems in parallel, validated every data point, trained the team, and switched over with zero downtime.
We thought we'd have to start from scratch and lose years of data. Hello People found a way to keep everything and give us a system that actually works. The team picked it up in a day.
Results & Impact
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