Legacy systems are the backbone of many organisations, yet they often hold businesses back. They were once cutting-edge, but today, many struggle to keep up with modern demands. If your organisation is still relying on an outdated system, it’s time to consider the risks, challenges, and potential solutions.
Legacy systems – and why they still exist
A legacy system refers to old (often outdated) software, hardware, or a combination of both that is still in use despite being surpassed by newer technologies. These systems often remain operational because replacing them is seen as too expensive, disruptive, or complex.
Examples include:
- IBM mainframes still used in banking and government institutions.
- SAP R/3 ERP systems, which some companies still operate despite SAP moving to S/4HANA.
- Windows XP in industrial environments, even though Microsoft stopped supporting it in 2014.
Many industries, especially finance, healthcare, and government, still depend on legacy IT systems due to historical investments and regulatory constraints.
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The challenges of legacy IT systems
Relying on legacy systems might feel safe, but it comes at a cost. But what are the issues with legacy technology?
Security risks and compliance issues
A lot of older systems lack modern security updates, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack exploited vulnerabilities in outdated Windows systems, crippling hospitals, banks, and businesses worldwide. If your organisation operates under regulations like GDPR or ISO 27001, running outdated software could lead to compliance violations and hefty fines.
Slow performance and inefficiencies
Old systems weren’t built for today’s digital demands. They often struggle with:
- Processing large data loads: Slowing down decision-making.
- Supporting mobile or cloud applications: Limiting business agility.
- Handling user expectations: Frustrating employees and customers.
Integration challenges
Most legacy IT systems weren’t designed to connect with modern technologies like cloud platforms, APIs, or AI-driven tools. This can limit automation processes and force you to handle it manually. You also risk creating data silos, which makes insights harder to access. In fact, legacy too often slow down digital transformation, which – among other things – might increase time to market.
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High maintenance costs
A 2019 report from the US Government Accountability Office found that 80% of IT budgets in federal agencies were spent maintaining legacy systems. Reasons for high costs include:
- Specialised developers – few people know outdated programming languages like COBOL.
- Obsolete hardware – replacement parts are expensive.
- Frequent breakdowns – causing expensive downtime.
How Enterspeed helps modernise legacy systems
Many businesses hesitate to replace legacy systems because of high costs and risks. This is where Enterspeed provides a smart alternative – allowing modernisation without a full system overhaul.
Decoupling legacy systems from your frontend
A key challenge with legacy IT systems is slow and inefficient content delivery. With Enterspeed, you can extract and accelerate data from outdated systems, ensuring your website and applications remain fast and responsive.
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Seamless integration with modern platforms
Instead of replacing your entire system, Enterspeed lets you connect legacy infrastructure to modern frontend experiences via high-performance APIs. This reduces the complexity of transitioning to new technology while improving speed, scalability, and flexibility.
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Intelligent caching for reliability and performance
One of the biggest drawbacks of legacy IT systems is their inability to scale efficiently. Enterspeed solves this by:
- Pre-processing and caching content for instant delivery.
- Reducing the strain on legacy backends by handling heavy traffic loads.
- Ensuring content remains accessible even if backend systems fail.
Enhancing security and reducing downtime
By reducing dependency on legacy backend systems, Enterspeed helps mitigate security risks and prevent downtime caused by overloaded or outdated infrastructure.
What are your options?
If your business is stuck with a legacy system, you’re not alone. The good news is there are ways to modernise without completely overhauling your IT infrastructure in one go.
Incremental modernisation
Instead of a full replacement, consider modernising in stages. Examples:
- Banks modernising COBOL-based systems by migrating workloads to the cloud.
- Retailers integrating e-commerce with old ERP systems using middleware.
Wrapping with APIs
One way to extend the life of a legacy system is by wrapping it with APIs. This allows you to:
- Connect with modern applications while keeping the core system intact.
- Improve data accessibility for better decision-making.
- Support omnichannel experiences without a complete overhaul.
Migration to a new system
For businesses ready to make the switch, migrating to a modern platform offers the best long-term benefits. This enhances:
- Security – reducing vulnerability to cyber threats.
- Scalability – allowing for business growth.
- Efficiency – cutting down operational costs.
The future of legacy systems
As businesses shift towards digital-first strategies, legacy IT systems will become a bigger obstacle. Companies that proactively modernise will gain a competitive edge, while those that stick with outdated technology risk falling behind.
If your business is struggling with an ageing system, it’s time to start exploring your options.
Modernising doesn’t have to mean replacing everything. With solutions like Enterspeed, you can transition at your own pace. 🚀
