Until recently, modernizations of legacy projects have often been challenging. With AI-based engineering tools it has become easier. This post describes how to convert WebSphere applications into OpenLiberty applications with newer Java runtimes via IBM Bob.

Niklas Heidloff

IBM Bob is an AI-powered software development lifecycle partner that automates Java application modernization. The post walks through converting a legacy WebSphere application to OpenLiberty in two phases: replatforming and Java runtime upgrade. Bob combines deterministic rule-based changes (via IBM Application Modernization Accelerator) with autonomous AI agents that iteratively analyze code, propose fixes, run unit tests and Maven builds, validate the running application, and update a todo list based on errors encountered. Developers retain oversight by reviewing and approving changes, while Bob handles complex refactoring tasks that previously required extensive manual effort.

Modernizing Java Applications with IBM Bob