By Asad Syed Abbas
Buzzwords and jargon make up almost all conversations around ICT, articles and columns are crammed full of them. However, sometimes a phrase comes along that is worthy of our attention. ‘Legacy Systems’ is one of these phrases used in the Technology domain. Basically, legacy systems, devices, or technology are outdated, often unsupported, and no longer in production. They are in need of replacement, refurbishment or upgrading. They are not up to the tasks and requirements of the present day.
Examples of ‘legacy systems are Microsoft’s Windows 7, which was released in 2009 and stopped being supported in 2020. Another example is Adobe Flash or even MS-DOS, it’s technology that is no longer supported as their Tech is seen as obsolete. Lotus Notes was a popular software suite for email, messaging, and collaboration. Which has now been largely replaced by tools like Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint, some organizations still use Lotus Notes for specific applications.
Continuing to use them as lots of companies, organizations and governments still do, can lead to high costs incurred to maintain and use these systems. The patching and the ‘holding together on a wing and prayer’ of these technologies can pose serious security risks. It may mean your organization isn’t compliant with present-day laws and data storage rules and regulations.
There are several ways to remedy these challenges, including rebuilding, replacing or ‘re-architecting systems. This sounds expensive, however, less expensive than having to endure ‘downtime’ or data and security breaches, which could mean business critical failures and huge fines. There’s no need to paint nightmare scenarios; anyone familiar with technology will realize legacy systems are a hurdle for any company. If you look at your mobile phone, you replace it every couple of years, as you want the latest technology and applications to run on the phone.
Upgrading legacy systems creates major upsides, some that are not always considered. For example, replacing or upgrading outdated file-sharing system with limited storage, no version control, and difficulty in collaboration can be hugely beneficial. Transitioning to a cloud-based collaboration platform like Microsoft SharePoint or Google Drive, enabling secure file storage, version tracking, and real-time collaboration gives an organisation the edge it needs.
By replacing these systems or the technology before your competitors does, you are ‘leapfrogging technology’ if you will. Through implementing new technology, organizations can move forward rapidly by adopting modern systems without going through intermediary steps. Leapfrogging occurs when a nation bypasses traditional stages of development to either jump directly to the latest technologies (stage-skipping) or explore an alternative path of technological development involving emerging technologies with new benefits and new opportunities (path-creating). Theres’ huge potential within the Namibian context, our nation can become an ICT powerhouse, provided our Tech is up to spec and date. It also keeps an organization compliant with international rules and regulations, making it an attractive business partner.
It’s not necessary to always throw out everything; sometimes, rebuilding the technological infrastructure is a good start. However, replacing needs to be seriously considered when you realize that there are organizations out there relying on ’90s technology and use the excuse; “well, it hasn’t failed us yet.” Engaging experts who can do a full 360 degrees analysis of an organization’s technology, network and devices can save a lot of headaches. It is the perfect way to create an agile business that delivers fast, reliable, first-in-class service and products to its clientele.
Legacy system modernization is not a once-off, it is a continuous and essential long-term process for the company. Getting left behind is never good, and in business and for organizations, it can be fatal.
Asad Syed Abbas is Manager Software Services at Green Enterprise Solutions (Pty) Ltd
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