TECH TRENDS
Outdated systems :
A growing risk for businesses and the path forward
Legacy technology is quickly becoming the silent killer of business growth . With 22 % of IT leaders still relying on outdated systems and 85 % planning urgent upgrades , companies using legacy tech face mounting security risks , inefficiency and spiralling costs . James Green , VP of Service Operations at OneAdvanced , explores how forward-thinking IT leaders are navigating the tough transition to modern solutions .
IT systems are no longer just operational tools ; they are strategic assets that enable growth , efficiency and innovation . Yet , as many businesses continue to rely on outdated systems , the risks – ranging from security vulnerabilities to stunted productivity – are mounting . For IT leaders , the challenge is clear : they must navigate the transition to modern solutions while overcoming organisational barriers , including budgetary constraints and stakeholder buy-in .
However , a significant proportion of organisations face risks tied to outdated IT infrastructures . Legacy systems often lack the robust cybersecurity measures needed to face modern threats head-on . Therefore , it ’ s no surprise that cybersecurity becomes a top priority for 52 % of IT leaders in 2025 , underscoring the urgent need to modernise .
However , legacy systems frequently cannot integrate with emerging technologies like AI or IoT , creating operational silos and inefficiencies . In fact , 34 % of IT leaders cite integration issues as a key barrier to innovation . Additionally , outdated systems exacerbate compliance risks . With regulations becoming increasingly stringent , organisations reliant on older technologies may struggle to meet new standards . As compliance remains a significant challenge , a lack of updated infrastructure can make it harder to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements , leaving businesses exposed to fines and reputational damage .
The challenges of Digital Transformation
Despite understanding the risks , IT leaders encounter significant obstacles when advocating for technological transformation . Budget constraints are the most cited challenge , with 44 % of IT leaders indicating that financial limitations hinder innovation efforts . This sentiment is echoed by 51 % of business leaders , highlighting a disconnect between the perceived value of IT investments and their actual business impact .
Another pressing issue is the lack of buy-in from senior leadership . While IT leaders recognise the strategic importance of technology , only 20 % feel their organisations view IT as a critical driver of business success . This gap creates hurdles when seeking funding or approval for modernisation initiatives . Indeed , 27 % of IT leaders face difficulties convincing stakeholders of the benefits of new technologies , reflecting a broader need for better alignment between IT departments and the C-suite .
Moreover , talent shortages will only increase as we move into the new year . With businesses increasingly adopting advanced technologies like AI , the demand for skilled professionals grows . Yet , only 30 % of IT leaders believe the UK has sufficient expertise to safely and effectively implement AI solutions . Without the right talent , even the most promising technologies may fail to deliver their intended benefits .
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