There’s really no way to sugarcoat this – legacy IT systems are not helping your business. In fact, these systems are likely causing you problems. Monetary problems, cybersecurity problems and productivity problems. And unless a plan is made to replace these legacy IT systems, the problems will continue to get worse. Yep, we’re going with the “rip the band-aid” off approach when it comes to legacy IT systems.

Look, legacy IT systems had their place when they were installed. They were new and really did the job at the time. But so much has changed since these systems have been installed. In fact, IT is constantly changing and evolving, and if a business is still on an old system, it can be detrimental to the company. Here’s how:

Legacy IT Systems Are Costly

Who installed your legacy IT system? Are they still around? How often do they update the software and install patches and upgrades? We both know the answers here. Maintenance, upgrades, and patches are typically at a minimum when it comes to old technology. Part of the reason is that there are so few people that can make the updates, and the other part is the original business that installed the IT system no longer makes money on the updates – it’s not worth their time.

Lack of maintenance, upgrades, and support, pretty much guarantees that your system is out-of-date and not functioning at its full capacity. Which in turn means, your team isn’t as productive as they could be.

Legacy IT Systems Are Targets For Cyber Criminals

Cybercriminals tend to look for the easy route. And a system that can no longer be maintained, isn’t updated, and doesn’t have patches installed screams easy route to a cyber-criminal. And cyber criminals aren’t using legacy IT to launch attacks on businesses. No, they are using the latest and greatest technology to execute attacks. And when you put a legacy IT system that is not up to date against new technology that is designed to find a vulnerability, the new technology will win – it’s not a matter of “if”, it’s a matter of “when”.

Legacy IT Systems Are Not Efficient

There are a few pieces to consider here. First off, legacy IT systems are not typically accessible via mobile devices. Which means your employees cannot access the system quickly and easily – this translates into not being able to quickly respond to a customer or not being able to do their job in a time efficient manner.

Secondly, the new employees that are hired have probably not worked with your legacy IT. Which means training them will take longer – and they may get frustrated along the way. In today’s world, it’s not great when your new employee is frustrated within the first few days of joining the team.

Thirdly, your legacy IT system lacks important data. Why? Because it was built when big data wasn’t even a thing! Which means your system isn’t capturing valuable information on your business or customers. And you’re not able to use this valuable data to make decisions.

Lastly, legacy IT systems do not integrate well (or at all) with newer technologies. For example, integrating with a cloud or SaaS solution is likely not going to happen. This lack of integration forces employees to access multiple platforms to complete their job. So much for being productive.

The Tipping Point – The Positives Of Upgrading Your IT

You are aware of the major issues that can associate with keeping legacy IT systems. Now, let’s get into the positive aspects of upgrading your IT to newer technology:

• Cybersecurity! With newer systems, data is more secure and protected from cybercriminals. In addition, you handle updates and patches quickly, and support is readily available.
• More productive employees. Modern technology is faster and integrates across platforms. Employees have access to the information and data that they can use to get the jobs complete. In addition, you can access the technology from a mobile device (which is usually right next to them).
• Access to data. Now that your IT systems integrate with other technologies, you can share the data. Use the data to support critical business decisions and help customers quickly.
• Growth opportunities. Current technology the design works with your business and will expand when your business expands. This agility can also help your business become more competitive (especially if your competitors are clinging to their legacy systems).

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that businesses need to be ready to adapt – quickly. Adapting and leaning into new, current technology is necessary for a business to survive. We want your business to survive – rip the legacy IT “band-aid” off and invest in new technology. Your business, your customers, and your employees will thank you.

Need Cybersecurity help NOW?  Contact us now at (628) 867-6130 or [email protected]. Intivix is your San Francisco expert cybersecurity team ready to get to work for you.