Modernization and Cloud Direction

Modernize what matters. Retire what doesn't.

Application modernization means moving the systems your business depends on to something cheaper to run, safer and easier to change, often in the cloud. The hard part is rarely the migration itself. It's deciding what to keep, what to replace and what to switch off, in which order, and making sure the suppliers doing the work deliver. That's the part I own.

Engagement: Project-based, Fractional
Led by: Nicolò Mazzari, personally
Clients in: Europe, UK, US

Get in touch →

Who it's for

Companies running critical processes on old or custom software that few people understand
Businesses spending most of their IT budget keeping the lights on
Companies with a cloud or licence bill that keeps growing without a clear reason

You might need this if

Small changes take months and break something else
Key knowledge sits with one person or one supplier
You can't change a system because too much depends on it
Security and compliance requirements are getting harder to meet
Cloud costs are rising faster than usage

What I do

Scope of work

01

Application inventory

Every system with its business value, cost, risk and owner, in one clear picture built with your IT team and suppliers.

02

Keep, replace or retire

A decision for each system, with a sequence that keeps the business running, validated with technical specialists where needed.

03

Cloud direction

The choice of approach and providers, made on business grounds (cost, risk, flexibility) with your technical partners, not on a supplier's catalogue.

04

Cost control

Visibility on cloud and licence spend, with concrete savings and the governance to keep them.

05

Compliance infrastructure

Including e-invoicing and other regulatory integrations that older systems struggle to support.

How it unfolds

The first steps

Weeks 1 to 3
Map

Inventory of applications, integrations, contracts and costs. Interviews with owners and suppliers.
Weeks 4 to 6
Decide

A decision for every system, a sequenced roadmap with budget, and the right partners lined up to deliver it.
Week 7 onwards
Govern delivery

I oversee the work done by your team or your suppliers, release by release, keeping risk and cost under control.

What you get

Deliverables

Application map with value, cost and risk
Modernization roadmap and sequencing plan
Supplier briefs and selection for the delivery work
Cost optimization plan
Delivery governance and reporting

What changes

Outcomes

Fewer systems, with clearer ownership
Lower running costs and predictable cloud spend
Faster, safer changes
Less dependence on single people or suppliers

Engagement

Ways to work together

Fractional

I own the transformation and AI agenda as your fractional executive: in leadership meetings, accountable for outcomes.

Cadence: From a few days a month to two or three days a week

Best for: Companies that need senior ownership, but not five days a week

Project-based

A defined scope under a statement of work: assessment, roadmap, supplier selection, due diligence.

Cadence: Fixed scope, fixed timeline

Best for: A specific decision or deliverable

I work as an independent executive under a services contract: clear mandate, clear scope, clear notice period. How I work

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Should we move everything to the cloud?

No. Some systems are cheaper and simpler where they are. The right answer comes from looking at each system's value, cost and risk, which is exactly what the inventory is for.

Do you do the migration yourself?

No. The technical work is done by your IT team or by specialist partners. My job is to make the decisions clear, choose and brief the right partners, and govern the delivery so it lands on time and on budget.

Rebuild or replace an old system?

If the process is a real competitive advantage, modernizing your own software can make sense. If it's a standard process (accounting, HR, invoicing), a well-chosen platform is almost always cheaper over time.

Related services