Modernizing legacy systems is a major undertaking for enterprise technology teams. Aging applications, complex integrations, outdated infrastructure, and years of accumulated technical debt can make it difficult to introduce new capabilities without disrupting existing operations.
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities to address these challenges. From analyzing legacy code and identifying system dependencies to supporting testing and application migration, AI can help engineering teams approach modernization more efficiently.
But successful modernization requires more than AI tools or a strategic roadmap. Enterprises also need experienced engineers who understand how to integrate new technologies with existing systems, maintain software quality, and support applications throughout the transition.
That’s why choosing the right AI consulting services is an important decision.
Some providers specialize in enterprise AI strategy and large-scale digital transformation. Others combine AI consulting with hands-on software engineering, data modernization, and implementation.
This guide compares seven AI consulting and engineering providers for legacy modernization, including their capabilities, strengths, and the types of enterprise projects they are best suited to support.
Quick Guide: 7 Best AI Consulting Firms for Legacy Modernization
- Distillery: Best for AI consulting combined with hands-on software engineering, nearshore delivery, and enterprise integration.
- Accenture: Best for large-scale transformation programs spanning multiple legacy systems and global operations.
- IBM Consulting: Best for mainframe-heavy environments requiring hybrid cloud modernization and AI integration.
- Cognizant: Best for enterprises in regulated industries pursuing AI-enabled application modernization.
- Capgemini: Best for organizations combining enterprise modernization with automation, cloud, and data transformation.
- Infosys: Best for large application portfolios requiring multiple modernization strategies.
- Persistent Systems: Best for software product companies modernizing core platforms and applications.
These recommendations reflect the providers’ publicly described capabilities and areas of focus, rather than independently verified performance rankings.
How We Evaluated AI Consulting Services for Legacy Modernization
Not every AI consulting provider approaches modernization in the same way.
Some organizations need strategic guidance to evaluate their existing systems and determine where AI can provide value. Others already have a modernization roadmap but need technical expertise to execute it.
For enterprise technology leaders, the most useful partner is one whose capabilities align with the organization’s existing infrastructure, internal resources, and implementation requirements.
We considered six factors when comparing providers.
- AI strategy and technical assessment: Can the provider evaluate existing applications, identify practical AI opportunities, and develop a modernization roadmap?
- Implementation capabilities: Can the provider move beyond recommendations to develop, integrate, test, and deploy modernized applications?
- Legacy system experience: Does the provider have experience working with complex enterprise environments and maintaining operational continuity?
- Data engineering and system integration: Can the provider connect modernized applications with existing databases, enterprise platforms, APIs, and business workflows?
- Security and governance: How does the provider address data protection, access controls, testing, and regulatory requirements throughout modernization?
- Delivery flexibility and ongoing support: Can the provider work alongside internal teams, manage defined projects, and support applications after implementation?
These criteria help distinguish AI consulting services that focus primarily on strategy from providers that also offer the engineering capabilities required for implementation.
The 7 Best AI Consulting Firms for Legacy Modernization
1. Distillery: Best for AI Consulting With Hands-On Software Engineering and Implementation
Distillery is a nearshore software development partner that combines AI engineering, data capabilities, and custom software development to help enterprises modernize applications and technology infrastructure.
Unlike consulting engagements focused primarily on strategy, Distillery provides both technical guidance and the engineering resources needed to implement solutions.
Its capabilities include AI development, custom software delivery, data engineering, system integration, quality assurance, and application modernization.
This combination is particularly relevant for organizations that need to introduce AI capabilities while addressing the software and data infrastructure supporting their existing operations.
Distillery works with enterprise teams to understand technical requirements, evaluate modernization opportunities, and implement changes that fit within their current environments.
Its nearshore delivery model also supports collaboration with U.S.-based engineering teams across overlapping business hours.
Distillery’s Key Capabilities
- AI consulting and strategy: Evaluating opportunities to incorporate AI into existing applications, business processes, and engineering workflows.
- Custom software development: Building and modernizing enterprise applications through software engineering and delivery services. Explore our comparison of the best legacy modernization companies for additional considerations.
- Data engineering and AI integration: Developing the data infrastructure, pipelines, and integrations required to support modern applications and AI-powered capabilities.
- Nearshore engineering support: Providing experienced engineers who can collaborate with existing enterprise teams on modernization initiatives.
- Cloud and application modernization: Improving software architecture, integrating new technologies, and supporting migrations to modern infrastructure.
- Quality assurance: Incorporating testing and validation throughout development to maintain software reliability.
Distillery’s Approach to Legacy Modernization
Modernization does not always require replacing an entire application.
For many enterprises, a more practical approach involves identifying which components are limiting performance, scalability, or maintainability and improving those systems incrementally.
Distillery supports this type of work through software engineering, system integration, and data modernization capabilities.
For example, an enterprise may need to modernize a legacy application while maintaining connections to existing databases, internal platforms, and third-party services.
In these situations, AI consulting can help identify opportunities for automation or intelligent functionality, while experienced engineers handle the underlying architecture, integrations, development, and testing.
Distillery’s relationships with OpenAI, Anthropic, Snowflake, and Databricks also support its work across AI development and data engineering.
For organizations evaluating their existing data infrastructure, Distillery’s guide to data modernization services provides additional considerations.
Distillery Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Combines AI consulting with hands-on software engineering and implementation.
- Offers nearshore collaboration with U.S.-based technology teams.
- Supports application development, data engineering, AI integration, and quality assurance.
- Provides flexible engineering support for organizations with different technical requirements.
Considerations
- Primarily focused on software engineering and technical implementation rather than broad management consulting.
- Its nearshore delivery approach may not suit organizations requiring exclusively onshore engineering teams.
- Very large, multi-country transformation programs may require a different delivery structure than focused engineering and modernization initiatives.
Best fit: U.S. enterprises seeking a technology partner that can help evaluate AI opportunities and execute software modernization projects through experienced engineering teams.
2. Accenture: Best for Large-Scale Enterprise Transformation
Accenture provides technology consulting, AI strategy, application modernization, and digital transformation services for large enterprises.
Its capabilities span enterprise architecture, cloud migration, AI implementation, data modernization, and systems integration.
Accenture is particularly relevant for organizations managing complex technology environments across multiple business units, regions, or enterprise platforms.
Accenture’s Key Capabilities
- AI-supported application modernization: Using AI and automation to support application assessment, development, and migration activities.
- Enterprise transformation: Coordinating modernization initiatives across business processes, applications, and infrastructure.
- AI governance: Supporting organizations with responsible AI practices, security, and regulatory considerations.
- Cloud and data integration: Connecting modernized applications with enterprise cloud platforms and data environments.
Accenture Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Broad enterprise consulting and implementation capabilities.
- Experience coordinating complex, multi-system transformation programs.
- Global delivery resources and extensive technology partnerships.
Considerations
- Large transformation engagements may involve complex governance and stakeholder coordination.
- Organizations pursuing smaller, focused modernization initiatives should evaluate whether the proposed engagement structure fits their needs.
Best fit: Large enterprises undertaking organization-wide modernization or digital transformation initiatives involving multiple systems and stakeholders.
3. IBM Consulting: Best for Mainframe and Hybrid Cloud Modernization
IBM Consulting provides AI consulting services, enterprise technology strategy, application modernization, and hybrid cloud implementation.
Its experience with mainframe environments and complex enterprise infrastructure makes it relevant for organizations modernizing systems that support critical business operations.
IBM combines consulting capabilities with enterprise software, cloud technologies, and AI tools to support modernization planning and implementation.
IBM Consulting’s Key Capabilities
- Mainframe modernization: Supporting organizations that need to update legacy mainframe applications and connect them with modern systems.
- Hybrid cloud integration: Modernizing applications while maintaining connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments.
- AI consulting and implementation: Evaluating AI opportunities and incorporating AI capabilities into enterprise applications and workflows.
- Enterprise security and governance: Addressing access controls, data protection, and operational requirements.
IBM Consulting Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Established experience with mainframe and hybrid cloud environments.
- Broad capabilities across AI, infrastructure, and enterprise systems.
- Relevant experience in industries with complex operational and regulatory requirements.
Considerations
- Organizations should evaluate how proposed solutions align with their existing technology investments.
- Engagements involving multiple infrastructure and application components may require extensive coordination.
Best fit: Enterprises modernizing mainframe applications, hybrid cloud environments, and business-critical systems.
4. Cognizant: Best for AI-Enabled Modernization in Regulated Industries
Cognizant provides technology consulting, application modernization, AI implementation, and enterprise engineering services.
Its work spans industries such as financial services, healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing, where legacy systems frequently support complex operational processes.
Cognizant combines application development and modernization capabilities with AI and automation services.
Cognizant’s Key Capabilities
- AI-enabled application modernization: Incorporating AI and automation into application assessment, development, and maintenance.
- Enterprise application engineering: Supporting the development and modernization of complex software systems.
- Intelligent automation: Using AI-powered tools to improve business and technology workflows.
- Data and cloud modernization: Supporting infrastructure and data platform improvements.
Cognizant Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Broad enterprise engineering and technology consulting capabilities.
- Experience serving organizations with complex compliance and operational requirements.
- AI, automation, and application modernization services.
Considerations
- Enterprises should confirm the experience and responsibilities of the specific delivery team assigned to their project.
- Larger engagements may require additional coordination across business and technical stakeholders.
Best fit: Enterprises in regulated industries seeking AI-enabled application modernization and ongoing technology support.
5. Capgemini: Best for Automation and Enterprise Modernization
Capgemini provides AI consulting, technology transformation, cloud engineering, and application modernization services.
Its capabilities span AI strategy, enterprise software, data platforms, and automation.
Capgemini is relevant for organizations that want to modernize existing applications while improving the business processes and technology infrastructure connected to them.
Capgemini’s Key Capabilities
- AI strategy and implementation: Identifying AI opportunities and incorporating intelligent capabilities into enterprise systems.
- Application modernization: Updating legacy applications and improving their architecture and maintainability.
- Automation: Applying automation technologies to engineering and business workflows.
- Data and cloud engineering: Supporting modern infrastructure and data environments.
Capgemini Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Broad capabilities across AI, cloud, data, and enterprise technology.
- Experience with large-scale transformation and modernization initiatives.
- Ability to connect technology modernization with broader operational requirements.
Considerations
- Enterprises should clarify which services and technical capabilities are included in the proposed engagement.
- Large transformation programs may involve multiple workstreams and implementation teams.
Best fit: Organizations combining application modernization with automation, data transformation, and enterprise technology initiatives.
6. Infosys: Best for Modernizing Large Application Portfolios
Infosys provides enterprise technology consulting, application modernization, cloud services, and AI-enabled engineering.
Its modernization capabilities support organizations managing multiple legacy applications with different architectures, dependencies, and business requirements.
Infosys offers approaches such as rehosting, replatforming, refactoring, and application rebuilding.
Infosys’s Key Capabilities
- Application portfolio assessment: Evaluating legacy applications and identifying modernization priorities.
- AI-assisted modernization: Using AI-enabled tools to support application analysis, development, and migration.
- Cloud migration: Moving applications and infrastructure to modern cloud environments.
- Enterprise integration: Maintaining connections between modernized applications and existing business systems.
Infosys Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Broad application modernization and enterprise engineering capabilities.
- Experience supporting large application portfolios.
- Multiple modernization approaches suited to different technical environments.
Considerations
- Enterprises should evaluate the level of technical coordination required for large portfolio engagements.
- Organizations with smaller modernization projects should confirm that the proposed delivery approach matches their scope.
Best fit: Large enterprises managing complex application portfolios that require different modernization strategies.
7. Persistent Systems: Best for Software Product and Platform Modernization
Persistent Systems provides software product engineering, AI development, application modernization, and cloud services.
Its engineering-focused approach makes it relevant for organizations whose core products or business operations depend on custom software platforms.
Persistent Systems supports modernization initiatives involving application architecture, cloud adoption, and the introduction of AI capabilities.
Persistent Systems’s Key Capabilities
- Software product engineering: Developing and improving applications that support core business products and services.
- Application modernization: Updating existing software architecture and technology stacks.
- AI implementation: Incorporating AI capabilities into applications and engineering processes.
- Cloud engineering: Supporting application migration and cloud-native development.
Persistent Systems Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Strong focus on software engineering and product development.
- Relevant capabilities for application and platform modernization.
- Experience connecting AI development with enterprise software engineering.
Considerations
- Enterprises should evaluate whether the provider’s product engineering approach aligns with their broader transformation requirements.
- Large organizational change initiatives may require additional consulting capabilities beyond software engineering.
Best fit: Software-driven enterprises modernizing existing products, platforms, and applications.
Comparing AI Consulting Services for Legacy Modernization
The right provider depends on the scope of the modernization initiative and the type of support an enterprise requires.
| Provider | Primary strength | Delivery approach | Best suited for |
| Distillery | AI implementation, custom software, and data engineering | Nearshore engineering and project delivery | Hands-on modernization and integration |
| Accenture | Enterprise-wide technology transformation | Global consulting and implementation | Large, multi-system programs |
| IBM Consulting | Mainframe, hybrid cloud, and enterprise AI | Consulting and technology implementation | Complex legacy infrastructure |
| Cognizant | Enterprise applications and AI-enabled modernization | Global engineering and consulting | Regulated enterprise environments |
| Capgemini | AI, automation, cloud, and data transformation | Global consulting and engineering | Broad modernization initiatives |
| Infosys | Application portfolio modernization | Global engineering and consulting | Large application portfolios |
| Persistent Systems | Product engineering and application modernization | Engineering-led delivery | Software products and platforms |
Rather than selecting a provider based solely on size or brand recognition, enterprises should evaluate the technical requirements of their modernization initiative and the capabilities needed to execute it.
AI Strategy vs. AI Implementation: What Does Your Enterprise Need?
One of the most important distinctions when evaluating AI consulting services is the difference between developing an AI strategy and implementing AI solutions.
Both can provide value, but they address different needs.
AI Strategy and Consulting
AI strategy focuses on understanding where artificial intelligence can support business and technology objectives.
For legacy modernization, this may include:
- Assessing existing applications and infrastructure.
- Identifying modernization opportunities.
- Evaluating where AI-assisted development tools may reduce manual work.
- Reviewing data readiness and integration requirements.
- Developing an implementation roadmap.
- Establishing security, governance, and success criteria.
This approach is particularly valuable for enterprises that are still determining how AI fits into their modernization plans.
AI Implementation and Engineering
AI implementation focuses on the technical work required to put those plans into practice.
This may involve:
- Modernizing existing application components.
- Developing AI-powered functionality.
- Integrating AI models with enterprise data and systems.
- Building APIs and supporting infrastructure.
- Implementing testing and monitoring.
- Deploying and maintaining production applications.
For enterprises with an established modernization strategy, implementation capabilities may be the more immediate priority.
Some organizations need both.
This is where an engineering-focused partner such as Distillery can be valuable. By combining technical guidance with software development, data engineering, and AI implementation, enterprises can work with a team that supports planning and execution.
How Does AI Accelerate Legacy System Modernization?
Legacy modernization frequently involves understanding applications that have evolved over many years.
These systems may contain undocumented dependencies, complex business rules, and code that requires significant analysis before changes can be made safely.
AI-assisted engineering tools can support several parts of this process.
Legacy Code Analysis
AI tools can help engineers examine unfamiliar code, summarize functionality, and identify potential dependencies.
This can support technical discovery, although generated findings still require validation by experienced engineers.
Documentation and Knowledge Transfer
AI-assisted tools can help generate initial documentation, summarize existing technical materials, and organize information about legacy applications.
This may be useful when institutional knowledge is limited or documentation has not been consistently maintained.
Code Modernization
AI can assist with refactoring, code translation, and generating initial implementations for updated application components.
However, successful modernization still requires architecture planning, testing, and validation to ensure that existing business functionality is preserved.
Testing and Quality Assurance
AI-assisted tools can support test generation, defect investigation, and analysis of existing test coverage.
These capabilities may help engineering teams improve testing workflows during modernization.
Data and System Integration
AI-enabled applications often depend on existing enterprise data and systems.
Modernization projects may require new APIs, data pipelines, access controls, or infrastructure improvements to make these integrations reliable.
According to a 2025 Researchscape survey on legacy software modernization, many U.S. organizations continue to rely on legacy systems, with performance, scalability, and cloud accessibility among the factors driving modernization efforts.
AI can support parts of the modernization process, but its effectiveness depends on the systems involved, the quality of available information, and how the technology is incorporated into engineering workflows.
What Should You Look for in an AI Consulting Partner for Modernization?
Choosing an AI consulting partner requires evaluating more than its AI tools or strategic recommendations.
Enterprise technology leaders should also understand how the provider approaches implementation and long-term software reliability.
Production Engineering Experience
Ask whether the provider has experience modernizing live applications that support real business operations.
A successful AI prototype does not necessarily demonstrate the ability to modernize complex production systems.
Look for relevant examples involving application migration, system integration, data modernization, and ongoing support.
Integration Capabilities
Legacy applications rarely operate independently.
They may connect with enterprise resource planning systems, customer relationship management platforms, databases, internal applications, and external services.
A modernization partner should understand how to preserve and improve these connections throughout the project.
Flexible Engineering Support
Modernization requirements can change as teams uncover technical dependencies and constraints.
Evaluate whether a provider can support different project structures and work alongside existing engineering teams.
For more information about delivery approaches, see Distillery’s comparison of staff augmentation vs. managed services.
Security and Governance
Modernization projects may involve sensitive business information, regulated data, and critical operational systems.
Ask how the provider manages access controls, data protection, testing, and compliance requirements during implementation.
Long-Term Maintainability
A successful modernization project should leave an organization with software that is easier to support and evolve.
Evaluate how the provider handles documentation, knowledge transfer, technical ownership, and post-launch support.
Why Consider Distillery for AI-Enabled Legacy Modernization?
Distillery brings together AI development, data engineering, and custom software development to help organizations improve existing technology environments.
Its approach is particularly relevant for enterprises that need technical implementation alongside strategic guidance.
Rather than focusing exclusively on AI strategy, Distillery supports the engineering work required to modernize applications, integrate new technologies, and maintain software quality.
Through nearshore software development, Distillery provides engineering teams that can collaborate with U.S.-based organizations across overlapping working hours.
Its capabilities include custom software development, application modernization, data engineering, AI implementation, quality assurance, and technical delivery support.
Distillery also offers flexibility for organizations that need additional engineering capacity within their existing teams or support for defined development initiatives.
Learn more about how nearshore engineering teams can support growing development requirements.
For enterprise leaders evaluating modernization partners, the key consideration is finding a provider that understands both the existing technical environment and the work required to improve it.
Distillery’s combination of software engineering and AI capabilities makes it an option for organizations seeking hands-on support for these initiatives.
FAQs About AI Consulting Services for Legacy Modernization
What are AI consulting services for legacy modernization?
AI consulting services for legacy modernization help organizations evaluate how artificial intelligence can support the improvement or replacement of outdated software systems. Services may include technical assessments, AI strategy, application analysis, modernization planning, custom AI development, system integration, and implementation support.
What are the top AI consulting services for enterprise technology companies?
The most relevant AI consulting services for enterprise technology companies include AI strategy and readiness assessments, AI-assisted application modernization, custom AI development, enterprise data integration, intelligent automation, and AI implementation support. Providers such as Distillery, Accenture, IBM Consulting, Cognizant, Capgemini, Infosys, and Persistent Systems offer different combinations of these capabilities.
What is the difference between AI consulting and AI development?
AI consulting generally focuses on identifying opportunities, evaluating technical requirements, and developing strategies for AI adoption. AI development involves building, integrating, testing, and maintaining AI-powered applications and systems. Some providers, including Distillery, offer both technical consulting and hands-on implementation.
How long does an AI-driven legacy modernization project take?
Timelines depend on the size and complexity of the existing applications, technical dependencies, integration requirements, and modernization approach.
A focused application improvement may take considerably less time than a multi-system enterprise migration. Organizations should begin with a technical assessment to establish realistic timelines, priorities, and implementation requirements.
Can enterprises modernize legacy systems without disrupting production?
Yes. Incremental modernization approaches can allow organizations to update individual components while maintaining existing systems.
For example, an enterprise may introduce new APIs, modernize specific application services, or replace frontend components in phases.
Careful planning, integration testing, and deployment controls are important for maintaining business continuity.
For more on engineering support during modernization, explore Distillery’s guide to nearshore staff augmentation.
What industries benefit from AI-enabled legacy modernization?
AI-enabled modernization can support organizations across financial services, retail, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries that rely on established enterprise applications.
The potential benefits depend on existing technology constraints, data requirements, business processes, and the opportunities available for automation or application improvement.
How do you evaluate an AI consulting firm’s modernization experience?
Ask for examples of production modernization projects, including the technologies involved, integration requirements, technical challenges, and measurable outcomes.
Also evaluate the provider’s software engineering capabilities, security practices, delivery approach, and ability to support applications after implementation.
Choosing the Right AI Consulting and Engineering Partner
Legacy modernization requires balancing the need for new capabilities with the reliability of systems that businesses already depend on.
AI can help engineering teams analyze applications, automate certain development activities, and introduce new functionality. But the success of a modernization initiative still depends on technical planning, experienced engineers, and careful implementation.
The right AI consulting services should reflect an organization’s existing systems, internal capabilities, and modernization priorities.
Some enterprises need strategic guidance to determine where to begin. Others need experienced engineering teams to implement changes, integrate new technologies, and support production applications.
At Distillery, we combine AI development, data engineering, and custom software development to help organizations move from technical planning to implementation.
Explore Distillery’s services or connect with our team to discuss your modernization priorities.