Custom Perl and PHP Applications - Modernization Program

Overview

In 2022, WDS completed an assessment of 50+ custom applications written in Perl and PHP. The applications were written for use by a single department, often to meet a unique business requirement. Assessments of this type are part of a typical IT lifecycle. They help determine if and when an application has reached its end of life. The ultimate goal is to ensure our IT services meet security, maintainability, and accessibility standards. 

Outcome

The assessment concluded that the Perl and PHP application collection, supported by WDS, is at its end of life. OIT will contact each application owner to plan the next steps. Overall, we are looking toward common solutions that can benefit more than one department. 

In order of preference, the recommendation is to:

  1. Shutdown the application if it is no longer needed.
  2. Replace the application with an existing vendor-provided solution already in place at the University.
  3. Replace the application with a newly acquired vendor-provided solution.
  4. Rewrite the application as a custom application as a last resort. 

The goal is to implement the recommendations no later than December 2025. 

Technical support of old applications is limited

Support for these applications has transitioned into maintenance only. 

  • WDS will attempt to fix bugs, but we cannot guarantee that they are fixable.
  • WDS will make minimal routine edits to the applications (ex. yearly academic updates)
  • Change requests will be declined unless they are critical to University operations and there is no workaround.
  • No further enhancements will be made. 
  • Steps will be taken to move the applications into Princeton's network and require VPN for additional security.

Next steps

All application owners have been notified of the recommended next steps. Please work with your point of contact to help us shut down all the custom applications by December 2025. 

How you can help

You don't have to wait for us. You can begin to find an alternative to the custom application on your own.

Thank you for helping us keep Princeton's technology safe and secure.