Last updated on Sep 9, 2024

You're struggling with legacy software updates on a tight budget. How do you decide which ones to prioritize?

When managing legacy systems, you're often faced with the challenge of updating software on a shoestring budget. Deciding which updates to prioritize can be daunting, especially when balancing the need for functionality and security against cost constraints. The key is to approach the task methodically, assessing the risks and benefits to determine where your limited resources can have the most significant impact.

1 Risk Assessment

Begin by conducting a risk assessment of your legacy software. Identify which systems contain sensitive data or are critical to business operations. Updates that address security vulnerabilities in these areas should be your top priority. Ignoring security patches can leave your system open to breaches, which may result in far greater expenses than the cost of the update itself. Prioritizing updates that mitigate these risks can protect your business from potential threats.

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Adunola S.

Help Desk Analyst || Technical Support Engineer || Network Services Expert || Software & Hardware Support || System Administrator || Security Specialist || Security+ || Network+|| CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
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Identify non-updated critical systems. Assess business criticality. Make a cost calculation. Assess scope and complexity. Analyze ROI potential.

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Adunola S.

Help Desk Analyst || Technical Support Engineer || Network Services Expert || Software & Hardware Support || System Administrator || Security Specialist || Security+ || Network+|| CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
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Prioritize business-critical items. Analyze costs of not updating. Identify complexity and scope. Analyze the ROI of each update.

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Rodrigo Santana

CFO || Conselheiro || Empresário || Investidor
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Em qualquer situação de mudança ou atualizações de software empresariais a analise de risco precisa estar em conformidade com a urgência do perigo que a empresa possa ter, ou seja, deixar a organização vulnerável precisa ser levada em consideração.

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2 Cost Analysis

Next, perform a cost analysis of the updates under consideration. Evaluate not only the direct costs of the updates but also the indirect costs such as potential downtime during implementation. Sometimes, updates that seem expensive upfront may offer long-term savings through improved efficiency or by preventing costly security incidents. Choose updates that provide the best balance between immediate costs and long-term benefits.

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Rodrigo Santana

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Sempre falo a minha equipe, se temos tecnologia precisamos usá-la a nosso favor, otimizar trabalho e padronizar rotinas também são mitigadores de custos. Com custos e despesas sempre devemos estar atentos para reduzi-los sem perca da qualidade.

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3 Vendor Support

Consider the level of vendor support available for your legacy software. If the vendor no longer supports a particular version, it's vital to prioritize updates that will bring your system to a supported state. Unsupported software can become a liability, as it won't receive security patches or technical assistance, leaving your systems vulnerable to new threats and compatibility issues with other software.

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Rodrigo Santana

CFO || Conselheiro || Empresário || Investidor
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Ter parceiros de negócios fieis e que entendem do seu business é primordial para obter excelência interna e com clientes. O suporte ao cliente precisa ser pessoal e de fácil trato. Também considero que é uma via de mão dupla, onde a organização e o software podem criar sinergia para um suporte mais próximo e confiável.

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4 User Impact

Evaluate how each update will impact your users. Updates that significantly improve user experience or productivity are often worth prioritizing, as they can lead to more efficient operations. However, updates that could disrupt user workflows or require extensive retraining may need to be approached with caution. Prioritize updates that offer clear benefits to users without causing undue disruption.

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Rodrigo Santana

CFO || Conselheiro || Empresário || Investidor
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Um software completo da organização ou interligados via api podem sim impactar setores distintos dependendo da atualização ou mudança de layout. Antes de qualquer situação assim reúna com pares e exija documentação comprobatória das mudanças realizadas pelo software

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5 Future Proofing

Look ahead and consider how updates might future-proof your systems. Prioritize updates that align with modern standards and technologies, ensuring your legacy systems can integrate smoothly with newer systems and software. This foresight can save you from future compatibility headaches and might even extend the life of your legacy systems, maximizing your investment.

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Rodrigo Santana

CFO || Conselheiro || Empresário || Investidor
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Com a tecnologia em movimento constante, preparar o futuro é de importância vital para todas empresas e organizações. Quem não se moderniza fica pelo caminho.

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6 Maintenance Needs

Lastly, assess the maintenance needs of your legacy software. Updates that reduce the frequency or complexity of maintenance tasks can be a smart investment, freeing up resources for other priorities. Prioritizing updates that streamline maintenance can also minimize the risk of downtime, ensuring your systems remain reliable and available when needed.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Charles Belfort

Analista de Suporte Sênior | Linkedin Top Voice em Suporte Técnico
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Para decidir quais atualizações de software legadas priorizar com um orçamento apertado, é essencial avaliar a criticidade e o impacto de cada atualização no negócio. Priorize aquelas que afetam a segurança, corrigem vulnerabilidades ou garantem conformidade regulatória. Em seguida, considere as que melhoram a performance e a estabilidade do sistema. Utilize uma abordagem baseada em riscos e benefícios, focando em atualizações que ofereçam o maior retorno sobre o investimento. Mantenha uma comunicação clara com as partes interessadas sobre as decisões tomadas e os critérios utilizados para priorização.

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You're struggling with legacy software updates on a tight budget. How do you decide which ones to prioritize?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Risk Assessment

2 Cost Analysis

3 Vendor Support

4 User Impact

5 Future Proofing

6 Maintenance Needs

7 Here’s what else to consider

Operating Systems

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You're struggling with legacy software updates on a tight budget. How do you decide which ones to prioritize?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Risk Assessment

2 Cost Analysis

3 Vendor Support

4 User Impact

5 Future Proofing

6 Maintenance Needs

7 Here’s what else to consider

Operating Systems

Rate this article

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