SOFTLAB TentSOFTLAB
FROM LEGACY ACCESS TO A SCALABLE WEB APPLICATION

Modernizing a 20-year-old tool
without disrupting workflows

We helped OfficeOptimizer reimagine their core product, OfficeAnalyzer, by migrating it from Microsoft Access to a secure, modern, web-based system using .NET 8 MVC and DevExpress. The result? Smoother operations, easier maintenance, and a foundation built for the next decade.

OfficeAnalyzer modernized dashboard
OfficeAnalyzer legacy view
OfficeAnalyzer modernized DevExpress view
SERVICES PROVIDED

From idea to
full product launch

We helped OfficeOptimizer reimagine their core product, OfficeAnalyzer, by migrating it from Microsoft Access to a secure, modern, web-based system using .NET 8 MVC and DevExpress.

SaaS custom software development

Legacy system migration

.NET 8 architecture design

DevExpress UI implementation

Reporting module refactoring

CI/CD setup via Azure DevOps

THE OVERVIEW

Client

OfficeOptimizer is a German consultancy that helps clients monitor print usage, manage assets, and control distributed printing costs. Their tool, OfficeAnalyzer, had been relied upon for over two decades, but built entirely in Microsoft Access. As needs evolved, OfficeOptimizer sought a modern web-based system that could replicate their proven workflows while offering better security, scalability, and support for future growth.

Project length

The full project spanned 18 months, starting with a deep-dive analysis of the existing Microsoft Access logic and culminating in a phased rollout of the modernized platform. During this time, the team migrated legacy data, refactored workflows, and delivered continuous feature updates, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations while enabling a smooth transition to the web-based system.

Tech stack and tooling

  • .NET 8 MVC
    Backend and frontend framework
  • DevExpress
    Enterprise-grade UI and reporting toolkit
  • Entity Framework Core
    Data access and ORM
  • SQL Server
    Secure relational database
  • Azure DevOps
    Version control, pipelines, CI/CD
  • Figma
    UI/UX design

Industry

  • IT Services
  • Print Management
  • Asset Tracking
THE TEAM

A tight-knit, expert team with legacy system experience

Migrating a legacy system without disrupting operations required close collaboration. Our team combined experience in enterprise software, .NET development, and legacy systems to guide every step, from planning and development to testing and deployment.

ROLE
CONTRIBUTION
  • Solution Architect
    Defined the system structure and migration strategy from Access
  • .NET Developer
    Refactored backend business logic and migrated legacy data
  • Frontend Developer
    Implemented responsive DevExpress UI and modernized legacy forms
  • QA & Testing Specialist
    Ensured feature parity and accuracy during phased rollout
  • Product Manager
    Acted as liaison with OfficeOptimizer and coordinated delivery milestones
THE CHALLENGE

Decades of complexity,
now needing a modern shape

  • 1

    Migrating 20 years of Access logic without downtime

    The existing OfficeAnalyzer had hundreds of forms, macros, and workflows baked into Access. We had to preserve core functionality without interrupting client operations during transition.

  • 2

    Translating Access forms into modern UI

    VBA logic and legacy form controls had to be reimagined within a responsive, web-based interface using DevExpress—without losing the workflow familiarity for long-time users.

  • 3

    Ensuring accurate data migration

    With years of operational data, we needed to ensure every field, relationship, and record transferred cleanly from Access into SQL Server—with zero loss or corruption.

  • 4

    Replicating advanced reporting features

    Access reports had custom filters, groupings, and summary views. We rebuilt them with DevExpress reporting tools while maintaining flexibility and output quality.

  • 5

    Managing phased rollout and dual-system support

    The team had to run the new and old systems in parallel during migration, ensuring continuous service while training users on the new environment.

FROM ACCESS MACROS TO SCALABLE CODE

Rebuilding workflows for reliability,
not just modernization

We didn't just migrate functionality, we rethought how it should work in a modern SaaS environment.

Legacy system audit & planning

Reviewed every Access form, query, and macro to map out critical dependencies.

Side-by-side system architecture

Ensured clients could test and validate the new version without losing access to the old one.

.NET MVC + DevExpress refactoring

Modernized UI and backend using scalable frameworks while replicating key workflows.

Full data migration & integrity checks

Transferred all historical records to SQL Server with validation scripts and audit trails.

Custom DevExpress reporting

Recreated all reporting logic for accuracy, export options, and performance.

CI/CD with Azure DevOps

Set up pipelines for ongoing feature deployment and regression testing.

THE SOLUTION

Modern UI, strong backend,
and zero disruption

The new OfficeAnalyzer was delivered as a fast, flexible, and future-ready SaaS platform.

01

Web-based OfficeAnalyzer built with .NET 8

A maintainable, scalable architecture that replaces Access completely.

02

Responsive UI with DevExpress

Reimagined user experience that mirrors familiar workflows with a modern feel.

03

Historical data migrated to SQL Server

Every client file, report, and tracking record transferred with full traceability.

04

Rebuilt reporting system

DevExpress reports matched legacy logic and offered new export and print options.

05

Parallel rollout plan

Minimized risk and ensured zero downtime by supporting dual-system usage.

06

Configurable for future use cases

The platform was built with modularity and future enhancements in mind.

THE IMPACT

Better performance.
Easier support.
Happier users.

18-month transition with
zero client downtime
100% legacy form parity
in modern UI
20+ years of data
successfully migrated
Improved reporting speed
and accuracy
Reduced maintenance effort
by 60%
Ready for feature expansion
and cloud deployment

Moving from a 20-year-old Access system to a modern web app was daunting, but Tent Softlab made it smooth. The new OfficeAnalyzer is faster, cleaner, and future-proof. It's now easier for our clients to work with their data, and easier for us to support.

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