As we continue with our strategy and implementation for updating your agency’s software and business systems, we must consider your legacy systems. If parts of your system cannot be modernized, ISF provides support for legacy systems for which it may be difficult to find parts, maintenance, or support elsewhere, until a solution can be found, or until the system can be migrated to a newer technology. Part of helping your agency modernize legacy systems and prepare your agency for the future involves supporting those legacy systems until they are no longer needed.
If your agency is still working with legacy systems, here’s what you need to know:
What Is A Legacy System?
A legacy system is simply a computer system that has not been able to keep up with new innovations in the technological world. In this day and age, technology changes at a rapid pace, and a system or application that was once cutting edge, highly innovative, and very effective for your agency’s needs eventually becomes outdated. A system that was once extremely effective and may have even set a new standard for efficiency now poses a number of problems, from security concerns to integration difficulties.
As your agency moves forward and begins to modernize, you may find that your legacy systems will not integrate with newer applications, or if they do, they don’t integrate well. Even if you are able to function with both old and new applications, the legacy system may not continue to function as needed as time goes on.
Short-Term Solution: Maintenance
The short-term solution for legacy systems with problems is to invest in maintenance. If full-scale modernization looks expensive, it’s not nearly as expensive as continuing to seek out increasingly specialized skills and resources to maintain an old system. As the market shifts with digital innovations, it can be harder to find the resources to keep your legacy systems running. On our projects, ISF provides the skills, resources, and support to keep your legacy systems running as long as they need to. We want to keep your data safe and your agency operating until your systems are modernized.
Replacement
Sometimes, when a legacy system cannot be modernized or maintained indefinitely, the wisest choice is to fully replace it. Even if your legacy system is still functioning, you don’t want to find out how long it will last. Investing in a full replacement can revolutionize your functionality as an agency and reveal new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. While the process of modernization or complete replacement can be arduous, the results are worth it.
Whether you choose to modernize, replace, or maintain your legacy systems, you’ll need a partner to help you through integration and support you through the process. We’re committed to helping you serve your community in the most efficient way possible.
If your state or local government agency is ready to migrate from old technology to new, if you need an expert opinion on your modernization efforts, or if you require legacy system support as you transition, ISF is here to help. We’ve served over 80 unique clients on over 1,500 projects, and our expertise in strategy development and technology solutions are unmatched. Contact us today for the support you need.