Windows Presentation Foundation: Migrating to Modern HTML5

Despite its long-standing presence, the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) remains an important technology for desktop application development. However, its relevance is increasingly being challenged by the growing demand for web applications. While WPF offers a robust platform for rich user interfaces, it is limited as a pure desktop solution—especially in today’s world, where mobility and cross-platform accessibility are essential. Although efforts to extend WPF aim to address these limitations, the need to migrate existing WPF applications to the web is becoming more urgent.

To address this, fecher offers a WPF migration service: a largely automated conversion of WPF applications into a powerful, modern, and future-proof HTML5 solution, following a structured process with a fixed price.

WPF Migration at a Glance

Migrating a WPF application to a web architecture with Wisej.NET is more cost-efficient and faster than a complete redevelopment. fecher offers a tailored solution to meet your specific needs.

The WPF application is migrated to an HTML5 application with identical functionality and user experience. The result: a modern web application based on ASP.NET Core, using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS, without the need to install any plug-ins.
The target architecture and technology is the real-time web application framework Wisej.NET (www.wisej.com).
The web application can be deployed on Windows or Linux servers, either on-premise or through cloud services.
Wisej.NET supports all major desktop and tablet browsers and, in its hybrid version, also supports iOS, Android, and macOS.

If needed, a UI modernization (user interface redesign) can be integrated into the project.
Depending on the structure of the WPF application, a large part of the source code is retained. The user interface and code connection are automatically regenerated. A UI redesign can be included if required.
The project can be easily maintained and further developed by your existing development team.
The database remains unchanged.

Proven Procedure Model

As with all fecher projects, WPF migration follows a proven methodology with a flexible service level, divided into multiple phases: During the evaluation phase, fecher collaborates closely with its potential clients to develop a solid decision-making foundation for the application’s migration. This includes a fixed-price offer based on the scope and complexity of the code. Only after this phase does the actual project begin. Finally, comprehensive testing ensures the migrated application functions fully in defined local, cloud, web, and/or mobile environments.

Evaluation Phase

Initial Information
First and Free Analysis
Detailed Analysis with a Fixed Price Offer

Implementation Phase

Project Setup and Partitioning
Code Generation and Completion
Code Finalization

Finalization Phase

Testing
Training
Further Development

The Tool: wpfPORTER

With a tool like wpfPORTER, we can perform a migration of extensive WPF business applications efficiently, consistently, and without risk. The fundamental principle of migrating from one presentation layer to another is straightforward: rules must be defined that automatically generate corresponding Wisej.NET projects from WPF projects at the push of a button. The configuration of the tool is handled by our modernization specialists in consultation with your software architects, who determine, for example, which JavaScript control will replace specific WPF controls.

wpfPORTER is built on the .NET Roslyn compiler, which is used to analyze, generate, and modify source code, while also enabling project-specific changes and enhancements.

Result of the WPF Migration

Guaranteed functionality of the WPF application as an HTML5 application with powerful JavaScript controls
Improved scalability and performance
Cross-browser web application, supporting mobile devices
Design and functionality are identical unless otherwise specified
Delivered 100% as modern, readable source code

Costs

The cost of this type of Application Modernization depends on the number of lines of code, the controls used, and the scope of the user interface redesign
The initial cost estimate is free, based on our first and Free Analysis

The Framework: Wisej.NET

The technical requirements for the migration are included in the Wisej.NET framework. These are expanded as needed for the project and can be supplemented by third-party JavaScript controls. Developers can focus on the core business logic of their projects without worrying about HTML, state management, Ajax callbacks, or concurrency issues.

For automating WPF migration, wpfPORTER serves as the foundation by transforming any WPF-based application into a web app. The resulting application is built on the real-time web application framework architecture Wisej.NET. This combination allows the graphical layer of an application to be swapped out with minimal refactoring, while leaving most of the source code largely untouched.

Future-Proof Your Applications with fecher

Choose fecher as your trusted partner for Application Modernization. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve helped companies across a wide range of industries embrace the future. In addition to WPF Migration, we offer a variety of services, including VB6 Migration, Web Enabling, and Access Migration. Using our specialized tools and deep expertise, we streamline the porting of your software applications—quickly, accurately, and at a fraction of the cost of a full redevelopment. Contact us today for expert advice on modernizing your software!