Getting Your Work Apps up to Speed with AI Can Really Pay Off

Why It Matters

Modernizing apps directly boosts AI returns and reduces cyber risk, giving enterprises a competitive edge in the fast‑moving AI economy.

Key Takeaways

• Modernized apps triple AI ROI likelihood
• Security-integrated modernization quadruples advanced AI maturity
• 93% say software updates crucial for AI
• Legacy systems cut infrastructure confidence by 85%
• 80% plan more AI; 95% overestimate readiness

Pulse Analysis

Legacy applications are increasingly seen as the Achilles' heel of AI initiatives. Cloudflare’s latest research, based on responses from more than 2,300 IT and engineering leaders, quantifies the cost of inertia: firms that have refreshed their software stacks are three times more likely to capture measurable AI ROI. This correlation reflects not only faster model deployment but also lower operational overhead, as modern cloud‑native environments streamline data pipelines and reduce latency. For decision‑makers, the data underscores that app modernization is no longer a nice‑to‑have project but a prerequisite for competitive AI performance.

Security considerations amplify the business case for modernization. The report labels security a "growth multiplier," noting that organizations that embed robust cybersecurity controls during the upgrade process are four times more likely to reach advanced AI maturity. By addressing the "technical glass ceiling"—the hidden vulnerabilities in outdated code and on‑prem hardware—companies lower exposure to breaches that can stall AI projects and erode stakeholder confidence. Moreover, a modern, secure stack helps alleviate talent shortages, as developers gravitate toward platforms that support automated testing, CI/CD, and observability, fostering faster innovation cycles.

Looking ahead, the momentum for AI integration is undeniable, with four in five leaders planning to double AI use within existing applications. However, a striking 95% mistakenly believe their current infrastructure can support this surge. The gap between perception and reality calls for a proactive, security‑first modernization roadmap that aligns legacy migration with AI strategy. Enterprises that act now can transform legacy liabilities into strategic assets, driving revenue‑generating AI use cases while safeguarding against cyber threats, ultimately positioning themselves at the forefront of the digital transformation wave.