Modernization Without Disruption: A Conversation with Rocket Software's Praveen Kumar

February 27, 2025 - Pasig City - In a recent field report of Kaka Computer, I had the privilege of sitting down with Praveen Kumar, the Asia Pacific head of Rocket Software, to delve into the intricate world of modernization, particularly within the Philippine context. Our conversation, filled with insightful anecdotes and forward-thinking perspectives, shed light on the true meaning of modernization and its impact on various industries.

Praveen, a veteran with 15 years at Rocket Software, began by highlighting the company's long-standing presence in the Philippines, dating back to 2010. Over the years, Rocket Software has cultivated trust with major players in the financial, manufacturing, retail, and insurance sectors, establishing itself as a reliable partner in their modernization journeys.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the misconception surrounding modernization. Many perceive it as a simple "rip and replace" process, discarding legacy systems for brand-new solutions. However, Praveen emphasized that true modernization is about evolution, not revolution. Businesses accumulate valuable knowledge and cater to diverse audiences over time, and a sudden overhaul can disrupt operations and erase years of accumulated expertise.

"Modernization not only has to be built over time, but it's not a rip-and-replace," Praveen stated, echoing Rocket Software's tagline: "Modernization without disruption." This approach resonated deeply, especially in a country like the Philippines, where diverse demographics and varying technological adoption rates necessitate a nuanced strategy.

Praveen shared compelling examples of Rocket Software's successful modernization projects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a major Philippine bank needed to modernize its customer interfaces and introduce new features while adhering to strict work-from-home protocols. Rocket Software enabled the bank to build a new infrastructure from their home environments, seamlessly integrating with cloud-based technologies without disrupting core business operations.

Another intriguing case involved an insurance company grappling with the demands of travel aggregators. These aggregators wanted to sell insurance alongside travel bookings, requiring the insurance company to integrate with hundreds of platforms. Rocket Software provided an integration layer with APIs, allowing for real-time policy issuance, a stark contrast to the previous 10-minute processing time.

When asked about the prerequisites for modernization, Praveen stressed the importance of mindset over technology. He cautioned against the common pitfall of rewriting entire systems, a strategy that often leads to failure and financial losses. Instead, he advocated for a phased approach, focusing on integration, data migration, and gradual evolution.

"Almost every company wants to modernize," Praveen explained.

"It's a question of when do you want to modernize. And the when is not, again, most of them say they want to do it yesterday. But the biggest thing is, how do you want to do it?"

The conversation naturally shifted to the ubiquitous topic of AI, particularly generative AI. Praveen highlighted the critical role of data in AI development, emphasizing the need for live, relevant data to build effective models. He pointed out the challenges of data cleansing and integration, even within established companies, and stressed the importance of verifying external data sources.

"The biggest thing in generative AI is I need data live," Praveen asserted. "If I want to do analytics, I need live data."

Regarding industry specialization, Rocket Software has a strong foothold in the financial sector in the Philippines. Praveen observed that while some industries might appear to lag in modernization, it's often due to market demands and business priorities rather than a lack of intent. He also noted that the Philippine market, with its diverse business models, presents unique challenges and opportunities.

For young leaders embarking on modernization projects, Praveen offered valuable advice: avoid rip-and-replace, focus on integration, and leverage consultants for guidance. He also suggested exploring cloud migration as a less disruptive alternative.

Looking ahead 10-20 years, Praveen acknowledged the unpredictability of technological advancements. He predicted a shift towards wearable and embedded technologies, with mobile devices becoming less dominant. He also highlighted the transformative potential of electric vehicles and the evolving landscape of various industries.

One of the most intriguing points raised was the potential impact of generative AI on the power industry. As data centers expand to support AI development, the demand for electricity will surge, creating new opportunities for power generation and distribution.

"If generative AI is going to be the future 20 years from now, what do I bet on? I bet on power," Praveen mused.

Our conversation concluded with a reflection on the broader impact of modernization. Praveen emphasized that modernization has a ripple effect, stimulating growth in related industries and creating new opportunities. He also underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In essence, our discussion with Praveen Kumar provided a comprehensive overview of modernization, highlighting its complexities, challenges, and opportunities. Rocket Software's approach, centered on "modernization without disruption," offers a pragmatic and sustainable path for businesses navigating the digital age.

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About the Author:

Raphael Quisumbing as a Co-Host of KaKaComputer, is a seasoned technology expert with 20+ years of experience in the industry. He has several hour long videos in Youtube as YoungCTO with over 37.1K Views, 2.6K Hours Watch Time and 1.3K Subscribers. Raphael is presently the Head of Product for Broadcast of Media:Track, the fastest growing International media monitoring outsourcing hub. He is recognized Cloud Enthusiast and leader (AWS Hero) with genuine enthusiasm for effectively mentoring a usergroup of over 15,000 members in the Philippines. He comes from a family of teachers and educators, serving in the academe as well as being an AWS Authorized Instructor.