If your 15-year-old Windows 7 desktops are still working, should you really update them? What’s the harm in using something that still works?
Well, as Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) has seen in our twenty years in the tech industry, a lot.
ITS is a managed IT service provider (MSP) that specializes in updating IT infrastructure and increasing operational efficiency in public sector entities.
In this article, we will explain:
- The issues we've had with legacy IT systems
- The effect of legacy systems,
- Actionable solutions to these issues.
By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the overall impact of old IT systems.
1. Outdated Technology
First and foremost, if you have legacy IT systems, you’re using outdated technology. Maybe you’re using Windows 7 (or Vista or XP). Maybe your workstations are still all on HDDs instead of SSDs, or perhaps they still have CD-ROM drives.
When you stick with outdated technology vendors no longer support, the cost of maintaining the aging infrastructure shoots up. You’re also much more exposed to frequent breakdowns, requiring constant repairs and patches.
Unfortunately, having old technology severely limits the availability of qualified technicians to fix your IT woes. IT experts constantly study new technology, so the pool of legacy IT experts gets smaller yearly.
At this point, running legacy systems limits your IT options.
Solutions
To combat the problem of outdated technology, you'll need to develop a comprehensive modernization program with the following steps:
1. Assessment
Conduct a thorough assessment of existing systems to identify critical areas that need updating.
2. Prioritization
Develop a phased approach to modernization to minimize disruptions and spread-out costs.
3. Implementation
This entails replacing obsolete hardware and software with current, supported technologies that provide improved performance and dependability.
In addition to a modernization program, you can update your technology through vendor agreements. Collaborate with trusted vendors to get access to the most recent technologies and continuing support.
2. Security Vulnerabilities
Another huge issue with legacy IT systems is they often lack modern security features, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
It’s because legacy systems frequently run on outdated software that the vendor may no longer support. This lack of support means that security patches and updates are not available, leaving known vulnerabilities open for exploitation by cybercriminals.
Your staff will also have a harder time accessing documentation, which leads to the next security vulnerability: lacking integration with modern security tools and practices.
Because they do not integrate with modern tools, legacy systems lack advanced security features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring, which are standard in more current systems.
Even if your cybersecurity experts do their best, sometimes the cost and effort of keeping old systems secure is more of a struggle than just updating them.
Solutions
What are some things you can do to cover your legacy system’s security vulnerabilities? While the best thing is to update your IT, in the meantime, you can:
1. Install all possible security updates
Even if your IT devices aren’t on the latest security patches, you should still ensure you’re updated with whatever’s available.
2. Implement security tools
If you can, use intrusion detection systems and encryption to safeguard data. If your systems haven’t deployed any of these solutions, your system updates should be your number one priority.
3. Conduct frequent employee training
Your team itself can also create higher security risks for your organization. And if you can’t update your legacy systems, you can deploy better staff training for cybersecurity practices to lower the risk of human error and improve overall security awareness.
3. Integration Issues
Next, legacy IT systems often operate in silos, making it difficult to integrate with newer technologies and other government systems. If you’re looking for records on one server, maybe you can’t find them because they’re in another older one. This lack of interoperability leads to data fragmentation and slower overall workflow.
Solution
To prevent integration issues, you should focus on:
1. Setting up integrated platforms
Utilize integration platforms to connect disparate systems and enable data sharing.
2. Standardizing data
Establish common data standards to ensure consistency and compatibility across systems.
3. Utilizing API technologies
Implement APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to facilitate communication between legacy and modern systems.
RELATED: What is System Integration? (& the Role of an MSSP in the Process)
4. Talent Shortages
Maintaining and upgrading legacy systems also requires specialized knowledge. However, as time passes, experts on certain systems move on or retire, leaving the pool of experts smaller each year.
Talent shortages even become more of an issue when you consider that many IT professionals prefer working with newer technologies, leaving a talent gap in managing and modernizing legacy systems.
Solution
Developing in-house talent and leveraging external expertise can help bridge the skill gap. Government agencies should invest in training programs and consider outsourcing certain IT functions to specialized providers.
5. High Operational Costs
Legacy systems are not only expensive to maintain but also inefficient, leading to higher operational costs. These systems often require more resources and time to perform tasks that modern systems can handle more efficiently.
Solution
Improving operational efficiency reduces costs. This involves streamlining processes, automating routine tasks, and optimizing resource allocation.
Ready to Overcome Your Legacy IT Challenges?
Government agencies face numerous challenges with legacy IT systems, from high maintenance costs and security vulnerabilities to integration issues and talent shortages.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes modernization initiatives, enhanced cybersecurity measures, system integration, talent development, and operational efficiency improvements.
ITS has extensive experience in helping government agencies navigate the complexities of legacy IT systems. Our team of experts provides tailored solutions that enhance security, improve efficiency, and ensure seamless integration with modern technologies.
If your government agency is struggling with legacy IT challenges, get a free network assessment to help you prioritize where to start. Use it to guide you in modernizing your IT infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and improving operational efficiency.
If you want more information about improving your IT, check out the following free resources:
- How Often Should I Upgrade IT Equipment? (& Tips to Make Them Last)
- The Cost of Old Tech (& Do You Really Need an Upgrade?)
- 5 Signs Your Small Business Needs an MSP