25 Apr Legacy Apps – The Problem in Modern Business
We all have tools we are familiar with that gradually become our ‘favourites’. The problem is that those tools won’t be sufficient forever, eventually becoming legacy apps, and needing replacing with the newer better versions of the same tools, or – if that’s not possible – brand new tools that are similar.
You may be approaching a crossroads; you are confident that your business is ready to grow and perhaps change in the services you offer your clientele. Unfortunately, this may not be possible if you have no way of advancing from the outdated application or database on which your business operates.
There is no point in continuing to use tools that are approaching the ‘end of life’. The vendor will have stopped support, or at the very least be in the process of doing so, which makes them very inefficient to use and will leave them more vulnerable to cyber security risks too.
These problems can be remedied whilst maintaining the levels of success you have enjoyed, but there are some things you need to know first. In this and the following article we are going to explore what a Legacy application is, what makes them Legacy, and what challenges come from using them.
Legacy Applications – what are they?
A Legacy Application is a system that has a vital purpose to your organisation but is using outdated – and potentially unsafe – technology to do so.
Legacy in computing doesn’t have the same meaning as the word in its traditional sense. Although your tools will leave a successful legacy behind when they reach the end of life that isn’t what we mean in this instance. Legacy in computing refers to a dated computer system, application, or IT infrastructure that is still being used and serves purpose but crucially is outdated and has been superseded.
‘It is still working so how is it legacy?’ is a common question we get regarding dated apps. Let’s explore this question now.
Apps become legacy when:
The operating system vendor ceases support
Sometimes it isn’t the app that becomes legacy at all but the operating system that the application resides within that may no longer have support, which in turn opens the door to viruses and cyber security issues.
You have chosen not to upgrade
Of course, when things are going well why would you change a winning formula? The only problem with this approach is that when there is a new supplement being released it gets ignored.
There is no newer version available
Sometimes a software vendor stops operating, or they may stop supporting a particular app – and that particular app may be the one that is essential to your business. The app may be too niche, but perhaps you find value where the majority can’t.
You may have Legacy apps in your organisation without even knowing. Perhaps your team use an app that is out of favour for most but some still get value from it – that app may have simply not been updated or not be supported anymore. You must check your apps frequently and map out a plan to drive your business forward with modern, capable, supported applications which have the power to revolutionise your business in its entirety.
It is understandable if you are concerned that your apps are going Legacy. If you need help finding out if they are, in finding replacements, or some general guidance around your IT, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. In our following article we will explore the operational and technical challenges of using Legacy applications.
Your IT and 365 Specialists
At Netcom we are well-versed in helping companies in various sectors navigate the often mystifying, jargon-filled world of IT. With over 15 years’ experience covering virtually all aspects of business IT, we can help guide your business to a prosperous future with the right IT at your side every step of the way. We can help you deploy cutting edge solutions that will not only help you weather the storm that is modern IT but also keep your business at the top of its game post pandemic and beyond. Why not book a free, no obligation discovery call today by ringing 0114 361 0062. Contact us now and see how we can help you.
