How Legacy Infrastructure Risks Your Business

Article written by:

Ray Sutton, Solutions Architect, Perth - Western Australia

Ray Sutton is a Solutions Architect at New Era Technology, where he helps organisations design and implement innovative technology solutions tailored to their needs.

Let’s have a heart-to-heart. 

If your servers are old enough to remember dial-up, or worse, still make the noises, we’ve got a situation. Because legacy infrastructure risks are no joke. Technology doesn’t age like wine. It ages like unrefrigerated sushi. And while nostalgia is great for retro playlists and vintage T-shirts, it’s not so great for running your core business applications.

Major vendors, including Dell, HPE, and Cisco, all recommend refreshing infrastructure every 3 to 5 years. 

• Dell emphasises that aging servers can lead to performance bottlenecks and increased downtime. 
• HPE highlights that modern workloads require optimised hardware for virtualisation, AI, and cloud-native applications. 
• Cisco’s reports show that outdated firmware and unsupported hardware are prime targets for cyber threats. 
• And Gartner? They estimate that up to 70% of IT budgets are spent maintaining legacy systems, money that could be better spent on innovation. 

Running modern workloads on legacy systems is like trying to stream Netflix on a pager. Technically possible? Maybe. Advisable? Absolutely not. Old infrastructure struggles to keep up with today’s demands. It’s slower than the Monday morning commute and less reliable than your office Wi-Fi during a thunderstorm. 

1. Security is a major concern when it comes to legacy infrastructure risks.

If your firewall still thinks ransomware is a type of firewall rule, it’s time to upgrade. Cisco’s cybersecurity reports warn that outdated systems are like flashing neon signs for hackers. Unsupported firmware and legacy protocols are like leaving your digital front door wide open with a sign that says 'Free Wi-Fi and Data Inside!' 

2. Let’s talk maintenance and how legacy infrastructure risks silently drain your IT budget.

Gartner says businesses spend up to 70% of their IT budget maintaining legacy systems. That’s like spending most of your car budget fixing a 1998 hatchback instead of investing in a reliable hybrid. It’s not just inefficient; it’s a silent budget assassin. And unlike vampires, it doesn’t sparkle. 

3. Compatibility issues are one of the biggest legacy infrastructure risks IT teams face when deploying modern applications.

Architects and IT trying to deploy containerised apps on legacy infrastructure are like chefs trying to cook gourmet meals on a campfire. It’s doable, but expect a lot of smoke and burnt edges. Modern apps want modern environments.  

4. Finally, let's not forget, legacy infrastructure risks also extend to sustainability.

HPE and Dell have both emphasised the energy efficiency of modern hardware. Old infrastructure consumes more power, generates more heat, and contributes to your carbon footprint. If your server room doubles as a sauna, it’s time to rethink your setup. As a bonus your air conditioning bill will thank you. 

So, what's the move?

Futureproofing. Cloud-native, AI-ready platforms are the new standard. Investing in modern infrastructure isn’t just about today; it’s about staying competitive tomorrow. If your servers still think it’s 2017, your business might be missing out on opportunities that are very much 2025. 

If your infrastructure is old enough to remember the last Game of Thrones season finale, it’s time for a change. 

Your business deserves better. 

Your customers expect better. 

And your IT team? They’re silently begging for better.  

Let’s discuss how to evaluate your current setup and develop a roadmap for a faster, safer, and future-ready solution. I promise no floppy disks involved.