Secure Application Server Migration Insights

Companies sometimes contemplate migrating their enterprise Java applications to a different runtime to optimize costs, benefit from greater technical support, achieve better performance, scalability or new functionalities. However, when it comes to taking active steps towards implementing an alternative application server, many decide not to proceed. A recurring concern for multiple companies is whether such migrations can be done securely, without compromising data integrity or compliance with stringent regulations.

So, are application server migrations secure? How can teams ensure the right robustness and resilience measures are in place? Let’s dig in the world of runtime cybersecurity and migration planning.

A key issue stopping many businesses unsatisfied with their current application servers from moving to a different solution is data protection. Moving a production workload to a new application server when it is intimately linked to an existing runtime environment can be challenging per se. Doing it in a secure way is even more so.

In effect, the process is often complex, especially if it involves applications that have been running for a long time. It is characterized by numerous steps, potential vulnerabilities and high technical demands that involve, among others, the assessment and control of system compatibility, application dependency and data integrity. As such, an application server migration requires organizations to establish a robust framework to protect data and their integrity during the transfer as well as maintain regulatory compliance both during the migration and when the new setup is implemented.

Laia Quintana, Head of Marketing and Sales at Teamup, emphasizes: “Honestly, the thought of switching brings up a lot of concerns— mainly around data security and compliance. When you're dealing with sensitive information, making sure it stays protected during a transition can be a real headache. Plus, compliance with industry regulations isn’t just a box to tick— it’s a complex issue that can’t be overlooked.

“These worries often hold us back, even if there might be a better solution out there. It’s just not worth the risk of something going wrong— keeping our data secure is top priority.”

These concerns are valid, as data losses, breaches, leaks and cyberattacks can have significant consequences for an organization and its stakeholders. In addition to causing potential downtime and disruptions to business operations, they can lead to financial damages associated with unexpected costs and fines, as well as compromise a brand’s reputation and user safety.

When dealing with legacy enterprise Java applications, teams may be even more apprehensive to carry out a runtime migration, as the risks are generally considered greater. This caution stems from the intricate nature of these older systems, which have typically been in operation for many years and play a critical role in business processes, thus even minor issues can lead to significant business disruptions.

One of the main data protections concerns is that, unlike more modern solutions, these applications may lack comprehensive documentation. Moreover, the expertise required to handle such migrations is often in short supply within organizations, as the initial developers may have left the business. As a result, it can be particularly challenging to fully understand how they function or how they interact with other components in the ecosystem, increasing the risk of errors or system failures during the migration process.

Implement Rock-Solid, Secure App Server Migrations

It’s okay to be apprehensive when it comes to security and compliance issues. In fact, it is advisable for companies to consider these aspects before any major change. However, these should not paralyze businesses from pursuing application technologies that are best suited to address their needs and could ultimately benefit operations.

While securely migrating to a different application server and runtime requires extensive expertise and careful planning, a successful move is well within reach. To succeed, companies should initialize the relocation from one server to another by establishing a multi-disciplinary team that will identify all application and business objectives, such as continuity. The group should also list the key requirements behind the project, including enterprise security needs, and ensure these are frictionless. By doing so, an organization can make sure these requirements are seamlessly integrated into the process from the outset, rather than being added as afterthoughts.

With a number of data integrity challenges related to migrations, choosing the right vendor is something to carefully consider. Therefore, following the preparatory stages, it is important for organizations to partner with an application server provider that can offer solutions and services compatible with the elements highlighted by the cross-disciplinary team.

Generally, it is advisable to favor a technology based on Secure by Design (SbD) principles for advanced risk management. By doing so, companies can rely on the vendor’s rigorous security practices, such as built-in encryption and layered security, during and after the migration.

In addition, it is important to select an application server provider that focuses on continuous improvement and offers timely patches for critical vulnerabilities and regular updates across the entire infrastructure. These features can help teams protect their applications from serious breaches and zero-day threats.

It is also recommended that organizations pick an option that meets the strictest and highest security rules, regulations and standards. By doing so, it is possible to lower the risk of security breaches or outages. A reliable vendor should be able to provide a compliance-enabling offering that covers all the required controls to help companies comply with standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA/HITECH, GDPR, FIPS 140-2 and NIST 800-171.

By following these guidelines, it is possible to enhance the security of an application server migration while ensuring the robustness of the resulting system. Beyond this, well planned migrations supported by premier experts can not only address cybersecurity and compliance concerns but also help enhance the overall resilience of existing applications.

When Migrating Is the Most Secure Option

There are instances, often involving legacy enterprise Java applications, whereby sticking with legacy systems would require excessive resources to maintain compliance and security. This is generally due to the frameworks and runtimes that such applications are built on. In effect, these may no longer receive regular updates or security patches. Over time, this lack of support can create vulnerabilities that are difficult to address without a migration.

Continuing to operate on outdated infrastructure can become a liability, especially when organizations must comply with rigorous standards. A well-planned migration provides an opportunity to rebuild the application on a modern, secure and compliant foundation, reducing exposure to potential threats.

When supported by leading runtime experts, migrations can also proactively address potential cybersecurity gaps. For instance, they can help teams identify vulnerabilities, implement stronger encryption mechanisms, enforce modern authentication protocols, and ensure that security measures align with current industry best practices. They can also help companies spot and mitigate risks unique to the legacy system, such as misconfigured permissions or outdated dependencies.

Moreover, migrations present an opportunity to enhance application resilience. Legacy systems often struggle with scalability, performance and fault tolerance. Modern platforms and architectures can offer tools and features that make applications more robust. These include improved load balancing, automated failover mechanisms and better integration with monitoring tools that can detect and respond to issues more effectively. Ultimately, migrating means modernizing and investing in future-proof applications.

Learn More About Secure Server Migrations for Enterprise Java Apps

The collective apprehension towards application server migrations and their security is not unfounded, but it can be overcome. Payara Services is here to help you enhance the resilience and robustness of your enterprise Java runtimes with state-of-the-art solutions. Take the next step in your application server migration with confidence: discuss with our engineering and sales teams how they can help you develop a secure project roadmap to move to Payara Platform Enterprise and assist you through all the stages.