Cracking The Code

Converting so-called legacy applications that contain customer addresses, credit histories, inventory details and business rules into modern tongues, such as Java, and up-to-date platforms is an arduous task. It often requires rewriting line by line. IBM, EDS and other giants traditionally take on this work. Yet there is money to be made in the translation process. The market for such services could top $100 billion over the next ten years. Vivek Wadhwa is founder and chief executive of Relativity Technologies. His product, RescueWare, claims to convert obsolete code easily and elegantly. Backed with $10 million, nearly half of it from Intel, Relativity has won over big clients such as Charles Schwab, PainWebber and Wells Fargo.