WPF Migration to Browser-Based Apps in Modern HTML5

Our specialists at fecher transform WPF applications into browser-based apps: This migration service provides a largely automated conversion of WPF applications into a powerful, modern, and future-proof HTML5 solution, following a structured process with a fixed price. Find out more about our expertise:

Pioneering Alternative to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)

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 Microsoft Windows desktop solution—especially in today’s world, where mobility and cross-platform accessibility are essential. Microsoft’s efforts to extend WPF currently aim to address these limitations and delay the end-of-life for WPF.

However, the alternative – migrating existing WPF applications to the web – is becoming a more urgent need. At fecher, we view migration as the more future-proof and valuable approach for companies.

At a Glance: Migrating WPF to a Web Architecture

Migrating a WPF application to a web architecture with Wisej.NET is more cost-efficient and faster than a complete rebuild/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).
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.

Transform Your WPF App for All Devices and Users: Mobile, Desktop, and Web

The web application can be deployed on Windows or Linux servers, either hosted on-premise or through cloud services.
Wisej.NET supports all major desktop and tablet browsers, and in its hybrid version, it also supports running applications on iOS, Android, and macOS.

Proven Procedure Model

As with all fecher projects, the WPF migration to a web application 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

Our Tool: wpfPORTER Moves WPF Applications to the Browser

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 a ready-to-use HTML5 application with powerful JavaScript controls
Improved scalability, security 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

Take control of the long-term success of your business and turn the page to the next chapter for your applications: Choose fecher as your trusted partner for Application Modernization Services. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve helped companies across a wide range of industries embrace the future. In addition to migrating WPF to browser-based apps, we offer a variety of services, including VB6 Migration (Visual Basic 6), Web Enabling for WinForms, 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 Legacy Software Modernization!