Is Your Legacy IT System Costing You More Than You Think?

Legacy IT systems are the backbone of many organizations. Businesses are struggling with a critical dilemma as technology advances at a breakneck pace: what is the actual cost of old IT systems? Some systems may have been state-of-the-art when initially deployed, but they may now be causing significant problems and additional costs for businesses.

 
Legacy IT systems are widely used by businesses of all sizes and in all industries.  Research firm Gartner says that many companies spend up to 80% of their IT on maintaining their aging legacy systems. Despite being the backbone of many firms' IT infrastructure for years, these systems carry hidden expenses that are generally disregarded. At Solution IT, a managed IT service provider in Perth, we have seen firsthand the impact legacy IT systems can have on businesses.
 
 In this post, we'll use research to eliminate the expenses of retaining an organization’s older IT infrastructure.
 
What does "legacy IT" mean in the 21st century?
 
To begin, let's agree on what "legacy IT systems" really means. This word describes technologies that have existed for some time but are still used in a specific business. Obsolete systems include those that are both technologically and functionally outdated.
 
With the rise of new technologies like the cloud and AI, the phrase "legacy IT" has taken on new connotations in the business world. Manual and labour-intensive legacy IT systems are rapidly becoming inefficient and antiquated.
 
No company or organization is safe.
 
Only so many companies can avoid the difficulties caused by outdated IT systems. Even businesses that have made significant investments in their IT infrastructure are not immune to the detrimental consequences that legacy systems may have on an organization. According to Forbes, legacy information technology systems are to blame for 70 per cent of all failures in information technology.
 
Ignorance of IT will make matters more complicated.
 
Ignoring legacy IT systems will only make matters more complicated. The longer you delay solving the problems caused by legacy systems, the more challenging it will be to switch away from using such methods. The older the systems become, the more fragile they get, and the more difficult it is to make modifications without causing damage to another component.
 
The neglect of legacy It systems may have substantial monetary repercussions. As the age of the system increases, they become more costly to operate, and the costs associated with keeping them operational may soon get out of hand if proper measures are not taken. In addition, the update cost will increase proportionately with the time between when you decide to do it and when you do it.
 
Assisting you in developing a business case for transitioning away from a legacy IT system
 
Suppose you are thinking about switching away from legacy IT systems. In that case, you must construct a compelling business case to demonstrate to stakeholders why this change would be beneficial—solutions IT offers a range of IT solutions that can help businesses overcome these challenges. Our IT-managed support services provide companies access to a team of IT experts who can help manage and maintain their IT systems. This can reduce the cost of maintaining legacy systems and minimize the risk of downtime.
 
The following are some suggestions that can assist you in making your case:
 
1.    Pay attention to cost reductions: 

The potential for achieving cost reductions is one of the most persuasive reasons for transitioning away from outdated information technology systems. Updating to more current systems may result in considerable cost savings over the long term, particularly when compared to the maintenance costs of legacy systems.
 
2.    Emphasise the advantages of contemporary technology:
 
Various benefits may be gained from modern technology that cannot be obtained via legacy IT systems. For instance, cloud computing has the potential to give better scalability and flexibility. Still, artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance decision-making and automate activities that previously required human intervention.
 
3.    Consider the potential drawbacks of using older systems:


 Outdated information technology systems might expose your company to considerable hazards. For instance, obsolete computer systems are more susceptible to cyber assaults and may lead to data breaches, which can be expensive and detrimental to your brand's reputation.
 
4.    Develop a phased approach: 

Getting rid of old information technology systems may be a complicated process; thus, it is essential to develop a staged strategy that minimises the disruption and risk that the procedure causes. You should begin with the vital systems and then move on to the less important ones.
 
 
Conclusion

In conclusion, legacy information technology systems represent a hidden expense that might substantially affect your firm's bottom line. Ignoring them is not a viable choice, given that doing so only complicates matters. Instead, businesses need to concentrate on developing a compelling case for moving away from old systems.  
 
This case should emphasise current technology's cost savings and advantages while highlighting the dangers of using outmoded systems.
 
Companies that need to address their legacy information technology systems risk slipping behind their rivals and losing out on the advantages of digital transformation, as stated by renowned IT Outsourcing Companies in Australia. Hence, to maintain our competitive edge, it is indispensable to prioritise shifting away from outdated IT systems.  
 
Legacy IT systems can be expensive to maintain, pose significant security risks, and hinder a business's ability to keep up with modern practices. With the help of Solutions IT, companies can overcome these challenges and take advantage of the many benefits of modern IT solutions.
 
If you're in Perth and looking for IT Solutions, managed IT services, IT managed support, or cloud services, Solutions IT has you covered. And remember, for a limited time, we're offering 50% off our managed IT services for the first three months. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed. 





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