What is legacy software and why is it a problem for businesses?

Legacy software consists of older programs or custom applications built with technologies or programming languages that are no longer supported. Think of systems in COBOL, Progress, or Lotus Notes: reliable in their time, but difficult to integrate with modern solutions. They are often still important, but also difficult to adapt.

Some signs are obvious:

• Adjustments take weeks instead of days
• The software only works with specific browsers or servers
• New colleagues no longer understand the code
• Only one developer still knows how the system works

Legacy software appears stable, but beneath the surface, risks are piling up. Security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and inefficient processes are common. Maintenance and emergency repair costs also rise. And once knowledge of the old systems disappears, every problem becomes a gamble. Ultimately, this threatens the continuity of your business. What was once solid then becomes a limiting factor.

Modernizing doesn't have to mean rebuilding everything. There are several ways to future-proof outdated software: redevelopment step by step, moving existing systems to a new platform, or connecting old components to modern cloud solutions. A thorough code review helps identify technical debt and identify risks in time. SST Software guides organizations in making these choices. With our practical approach and technical teams, we bring order to complex issues and deliver working solutions.

Future-proofing a system requires more than just new technology. Build modularly, document carefully, and evaluate regularly. This way, your software remains agile. SST Software contributes to this as a reliable partner. We have been building custom applications for organizations with complex processes for over fifteen years, with a focus on quality, safety, and continuity.

Many companies only discover their software is outdated when it's already too late. Want to know if your systems are still up to date? At SST Software, we're happy to help you take the first step today. Together, we'll ensure your technology continues to work the way you want it to.