Example of a successful software modernization: Headless frontend for a monolithic shop system

Last Updated on 28. January 2026

An example of a headless software modernization shows how targeted upgrades can be a fast and low-risk alternative to replatforming. In this case, the storefront of an existing monolithic shop system is adapted to marketing needs without replacing the backend.

Companies must continuously modernize their digital platforms and systems to remain competitive. This is particularly true in e-commerce, where customer expectations and technological conditions change constantly. One effective approach is the targeted upgrade of existing systems. This is exactly where the concept of software retrofitting comes into play.

Software modernization as an alternative to replatforming

When software systems no longer meet business requirements, changes become necessary. In many cases, significant improvements can be achieved through manageable, targeted measures without fundamentally questioning the existing solution. Software retrofitting is therefore often a fast and cost-efficient alternative to a comprehensive replatforming.

Faster path to measurable improvements

Unlike replatforming, retrofit projects do not replace or completely rebuild systems. The goal is to achieve a clearly defined improvement with minimal effort in a short period of time. The focus is on areas with the highest potential value. This allows projects to be delivered by smaller teams and results to be measured more quickly.

Reducing the risks of change

Any intervention in existing software systems involves risk. These risks are particularly high in large-scale replatforming projects, where complex, organically grown systems must be transformed during ongoing operations. Retrofit approaches break down such initiatives into smaller, targeted steps. This keeps effort and risk manageable.

Structure and approach of a software retrofit

The key advantage of targeted software modernization lies in the focused nature of the interventions. Effort and risk can therefore be calculated reliably. However, this requires that objectives and approach are clearly defined in advance. In addition, cross-cutting requirements must be identified early, as they have a significant impact on planning and implementation.

Objective

What specific improvements are to be achieved through the software retrofit? Which processes are to be optimized? Which departments should be enabled, and for what purpose? Which new or extended products are to be created? How will success be measured, for example through clearly defined KPIs?

Approach

How will the desired improvement be achieved? Will implementation take place in sequential or parallel work packages? Which roles and responsibilities are involved? How is collaboration between business departments, development, and project management organized?

Subprojects

How can implementation be structured sensibly to reduce dependencies and enable parallel work? Which functional or technical building blocks form each subproject?

Cross-cutting aspects

Which functional, technical, and organizational conditions are relevant for implementation? In which usage context are the developed components applied? Which internal and external requirements must be considered, for example with regard to operations, security, SEO, or regulatory constraints?

In summary, software retrofit is an efficient approach to targeted system enhancement. The scope can range from individual measures to larger modernization initiatives consisting of multiple subprojects.

Example: Frontend modernization for a B2B/B2C retailer

For an internationally operating mail-order retailer of industrial, warehouse, and office equipment, a software retrofit of the online shop was implemented. The goal was to replace the existing storefront with a more flexible solution and enable marketing teams to create and publish campaign content independently.

Initial situation: Monolithic shop system reaches its limits

The online shop was based on a monolithic e-commerce system in which frontend and backend were tightly coupled. Core sales functions were reliably covered. However, the system was not designed for the flexible creation of landing pages or campaign content.

Even minor content extensions required IT support. Implementation times were correspondingly long. As a result, workarounds emerged and shadow IT developed within marketing.

Challenge: Preserve the technical core, flexibilize the frontend

The objective was to decouple the frontend from the backend and redevelop it according to the headless principle. The existing e-commerce system was to remain in place. The new storefront was required to provide user-friendly content management capabilities.

During the transition, numerous cross-cutting requirements had to be taken into account. These included internationalization for multiple markets, integration of external scripts, responsive design, different interfaces for B2B and B2C customers, pricing logic and customer groups, SEO including URL preservation and Core Web Vitals, routing for hybrid operation, web security, and accessibility in line with legal requirements.

Solution: Step-by-step transition to a headless storefront

The development of the new storefront followed an iterative approach. First, technical feasibility was validated through a proof of concept. Subsequently, dependencies on the existing infrastructure were reduced and a new storefront was developed. This was tested in hybrid operation and gradually rolled out.

Result: Faster and more flexible response to new requirements

Today, the company operates a flexible headless storefront. Marketing teams can create and publish content independently without involving IT. Time to market for campaigns has been significantly reduced.

The technical separation of frontend and backend makes it possible to implement new features and content without increasing risk for the core system. The modular structure also lays the foundation for further development towards composable commerce.

Conclusion: Think big, start lean

Targeted software modernization is particularly suitable when concrete problems need to be solved quickly or potential gains realized efficiently. Instead of rebuilding an entire e-commerce system, modernizing the frontend alone was sufficient in this example to significantly improve marketing capabilities.

For long-term success, retrofit initiatives must always be aligned with a broader target architecture. The headless frontend represents the first step towards further modularization of the overall system.