It’s difficult to find any business function that doesn’t rely on software today. The incorporation of software into more business areas has brought tremendous benefits around productivity and capabilities. Everyone from retail workers and accountants to marketers and truck drivers now rely on software for nearly everything they do.
However, when that software ages it can create a new set of problems as functions cease working, security gets out of date, and newly essential modern functions are missing. This is why legacy system modernization is so critical.
What are legacy systems?
Legacy systems are digital hardware or software that has become outdated. For example, if you are a retail business with Point Of Sale (POS) terminals that can’t read the chips in newer debit cards, those POS terminals become legacy systems. In other cases, this occurs when software isn’t or can’t be updated and loses the ability to interact with other systems or perform its functions. For example, the issue preventing those POS systems from operating with modern bank cards may be the result of old software instead.
When either software or hardware ceases to function as it should, legacy system modernization becomes a critical priority.
How to modernize legacy systems
While modernizing physical hardware is fairly straightforward in most cases, the same cannot be said of software. In some cases, the best way to modernize a legacy software system is to simply purchase a new piece of software to replace it or by updating the software. However, in cases where the software is custom, such off-the-shelf solutions aren’t an option.
Updating and modernizing custom software requires either dedicating internal development resources or hiring a legacy software modernization company. These companies specialize in helping customers understand what needs to happen for effective modernization and executing the resulting plan.
Regardless whether you choose to modernize your legacy systems internally or through an external partner, you need the right expertise. Updating existing software is not the same as creating something from scratch, so it’s important to work with people with the right type of experience.
Involvement of stakeholders or investors
There are two key reasons to involve stakeholders or investors in legacy system modernization. The first is that the systems you’ll be looking to modernize are usually integral to how your business operates. They are what enable your business to function, ensure compliance, etc. Thus, gathering input from stakeholders and investors around how to go about this modernization is crucial.
This input can help you determine whether to invest in improved features, better security, or simply to bring your software back to a point where it serves your basic needs. Ultimately, the process of legacy system modernization provides a great opportunity to implement improvements, but those do come at a cost. Calculating the value of such improvements will help you decide what to do with your limited resources.
Choosing modern and better technology
It’s important to consider that if you need legacy system modernization anyways, you’re going to have the opportunity to update and improve your systems. That’s an opportunity most businesses should not waste.
The legacy system modernization process is an opportune time to introduce new or improved features, better UI, improved security, etc. This is usually quite cost efficient relative to what is needed to build a new piece of software with that functionality from scratch. So take this as an opportunity to think widely about your business’ current and future needs and how your software can serve those needs.
Then, you can work with either your internal team or legacy software modernization company to make sure your software can meet your needs into the future.
What are some of the challenges of legacy systems?
The problems that can result from legacy systems are quite varied. You may not be able to work with some customers, as in the POS example given above. In other cases, legacy systems can compromise your digital security, creating compliance issues and even putting your business at risk.
However, the most common challenge of legacy systems is simply that they make it difficult for your business to operate effectively. Increasing numbers of errors, outdated user interfaces, and the inability to access useful modern functionality can all result from legacy systems. The results can be lost business, poor morale, and perhaps most importantly, lost opportunities.
Actually modernizing your legacy software can then provide its own challenges. It’s possible that some features may simply not be possible to add to your current system. Here, experienced legacy system modernization companies or experts can help you determine what’s possible and practical for your situation.
