Legacy systems

Definition:

Legacy systems are outdated, often monolithic IT systems that are still in use, but are no longer technologically or functionally up to date. They are usually difficult to maintain, lack flexibility and often hinder innovation.

Relevance for enterprise modernization:

Replacing or modernizing legacy systems is a key goal of many modernization initiatives. They pose a risk to the scalability, security and adaptability of the IT landscape. A structured evaluation and transformation of these systems is essential in order to build an agile and future-proof architecture.

Example / use case:

An insurance company uses a COBOL-based system for contract management that has been running for over 20 years. Due to a lack of developers and growing integration requirements, the company decides to gradually modernize the system using microservices and a new cloud platform, including a modernization blueprint.