Microsoft .NET and AWS Cloud Modernization

I’m a 'cleared active secret' principal engineer focused on one thing: helping federal teams and prime contractors modernize .NET and SQL Server systems without putting the mission at risk.

I bring a team-ready approach to bridge legacy enterprise code and AWS-native architectures, translating modernization work into clear, low-drama steps that fit real constraints—contracts, compliance, and people.

Modernize .NET systems without rewrites or downtime.

Joe Laake Modernization Services helps federal teams and prime contractors incrementally upgrade legacy .NET and SQL Server systems onto AWS— while the mission stays online and the code stays understandable.

Schedule a 30-minute modernization review Explore teaming opportunities

.NET & C# SQL Server AWS Incremental modernization Python Linux Visual Basic Oracle Javascript & jQuery Node.js YAML DevSecOps Git Docker Kubernetes Terraform IaC Lambda REST API & WCF Powershell & BASH C++

The problems I’m built to solve

For federal teams

Critical .NET apps stuck on .NET Framework and on-prem SQL Server.
Security and audit findings piling up on legacy systems.
No one wants to touch the code, but the mission can’t tolerate downtime.
Pressure to “move to the cloud” without a safe, incremental path.

For prime contractors

Legacy-heavy work inside fixed-scope contracts that needs a modernization specialist.
Bridging old .NET and database code with AWS-native architectures.
Need a principal engineer who can talk to both developers and federal stakeholders.
Desire to de-risk modernization tasks without bloating the core team.

Modernization without big-bang rewrites

My work is built around one idea: keep the mission running while we make the system better, one safe step at a time.

1. Assess

Inventory the application, dependencies, and risks. Identify what can move, what must stay put, and where modernization delivers the most value with the least disruption.

2. Increment

Apply strangler patterns and targeted refactors to modernize features, endpoints, and data access in slices—backed by tests, observability, and rollback paths.

3. Stabilize

Tune performance, harden security, and right-size infrastructure on AWS. Leave behind a system that’s easier to maintain, extend, and operate.

Want to see how this applies to your system? Book a modernization review.

Signature modernization services

Modernization Sprint (2–4 weeks)

For federal teams and primes with a specific legacy pain point.

We pick one critical slice of your .NET system and modernize it end-to-end: code, data access, deployment, and observability.

Before/after architecture and code changes.
Deployment and rollback plan.
Risk notes and next-step recommendations.

.NET to AWS Readiness

For teams planning a move to AWS or hybrid cloud.

A focused assessment of your .NET and SQL Server estate with a practical roadmap for moving safely toward AWS.

Application and database inventory.
Target AWS architecture options.
Phased migration and modernization plan.

Legacy Safety Net

For owners of “can’t-fail” legacy applications.

Stabilize, monitor, and incrementally improve critical systems so they stop being a constant source of risk and firefighting.

Monitoring and alerting baseline.
Performance and reliability improvements.
Prioritized backlog of modernization work.

Teaming with prime contractors

I partner with prime contractors who need a senior .NET and AWS modernization specialist to de-risk legacy-heavy work on federal programs.

Role: Principal engineer / modernization lead embedded in your team.
Strengths: Incremental modernization, strangler patterns, legacy stabilization, and clear communication with stakeholders.
Fit: .NET and SQL Server systems moving toward AWS or hybrid architectures.
Engagement: Sprints, specific work packages, or ongoing modernization leadership.

Discuss teaming opportunities

About Joe Laake

I have worked with SPACE COMMAND, NORAD, ARMY FUTURES, USMC & NAVY DHA, Centers For Disease Control NIOSH.

Implemented AGILE for ARMY FUTURES and NAVY DHA
Full tech refresh with NORAD - Cheyenne Mtn.(Virtual Box, Blades, SQL, etc.)
Complete SDLC for Peterson AFB .Net MVC application from birth to delivery on SIPRnet. (RMF, ATO, CDRL's, DISA Stig, App and Db)
One off applications for CDC using .NET MVC, WebForms, WinForms
Rearchitecture for the USMC SF-86 utilizing Blazor Hybrid with SQLlite for Internet connection outage

Certifications

CompTia Security+ (SY0-501)
MCPD - Web Developer 4
MCPD - Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
MCTS - .Net Framework, Web Applications
MCTS - .Net Framework, Data Access
MCTS - .Net Framework, Service Communication Applications
MCTS - Azure Fundamentals
AWS - Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)

Download Full Engineering Background

Capability Statement

Download Capability Statement

Start a conversation

Tell me what you’re working on and I’ll ask a few questions about your system and goals, then share how I can help. Whether you’re a federal team or a prime, this is the same starting point.

Tel: (719) 257-3587