SERVICE · 05 / 07

Virtualization Service:
Empower your legacy applications.

Unlock the full potential of your MS-DOS applications by integrating them into today’s advanced technological landscape. Our solutions ensure your legacy systems continue to thrive without the need for costly rewrites.

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At a glance

Legacy sources: MS-DOS · QuickBasic · Turbo Pascal · C · Assembly · BASIC PDS
Modern targets: DOSBox · VMware · AWS · Azure · On-prem or Cloud
Typical timeline: 2 to 6 weeks
Project range: $5,000–$40,000
U.S. delivery: 100% U.S. citizen workforce, U.S.-soil delivery

What to know before you modernize

Why MS-DOS Virtualization?

MS-DOS virtualization offers a powerful solution for running legacy applications like QuickBasic and Turbo Pascal on modern hardware platforms, whether on-premises or in the cloud through AWS and Azure. This technology preserves the reliability of MS-DOS applications, which have been trusted in sectors such as manufacturing and government for critical operations like inventory management and accounting. Virtualization enables fast implementation and ensures compatibility with current systems, maintaining business continuity while allowing organizations to enjoy the benefits of modern computing without sacrificing the unique capabilities of their legacy applications.

The MS-DOS Virtualization Ecosystem

The MS-DOS virtualization ecosystem is a critical component for maintaining legacy operations that rely on applications developed in QuickBasic, Turbo Pascal, C, and assembly. Originally created for 16-bit and 32-bit environments, these applications remain indispensable for businesses that depend on legacy systems. Virtualization employs emulators or virtual machines, such as DOSBox and VMware, to recreate MS-DOS environments on modern hardware, ensuring compatibility with specific hardware and peripheral needs including serial ports and legacy printers. Our expertise spans 13 verticals, providing tailored solutions for the unique demands of various industries.

Challenges of Legacy MS-DOS Applications

Legacy MS-DOS applications were originally designed for 16-bit hardware, which is now obsolete and difficult to replace. Businesses relying on these systems encounter compatibility issues when attempting to run them on modern 64-bit operating systems, and the scarcity of replacement parts for outdated hardware further complicates maintenance, leading to increased downtime and operational costs. Another critical challenge is the dependency on external peripherals such as legacy printers and industrial sensors, which may not be supported by current systems. Unsupported operating systems like MS-DOS and Windows XP also pose significant security risks.

Our MS-DOS Virtualization Solutions

We offer a range of MS-DOS virtualization solutions tailored to your business needs. Our on-premises virtualization uses tools like DOSBox and VMware to seamlessly run MS-DOS applications on modern Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux hardware, ensuring compatibility with essential peripherals such as serial ports and printers. For scalable and secure access, our cloud-based virtualization solutions on AWS and Azure provide the flexibility to run MS-DOS applications from any device, including phones and tablets. We also provide customization services to address specific hardware and peripheral requirements, and offer an optional transition path to full modernization using C# .NET and Golang.

Deliverables

  • On-prem virtualization with DOSBox or VMware
  • Cloud-based virtualization on AWS or Azure
  • Peripheral support (serial ports, printers, sensors)
  • Mobile access from phones and tablets
  • Optional path to full modernization (C# .NET / Golang)