From legacy technology to modern infrastructure: challenges and solutions

Published on 1/31/2025

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, infrastructure operators are faced with the daunting task of modernizing their existing legacy systems. This transformation process is not only technologically demanding, but also organizationally complex. Nevertheless, it is essential for companies that want to maintain their competitiveness and take advantage of new business opportunities.

The starting position: legacy infrastructure today

Many infrastructure operators still rely on systems that are decades old, which work reliably but have considerable disadvantages. These legacy systems are often characterized by

Manual processes and time-consuming maintenance work
Limited scalability and lack of flexibility
Increased security risks due to outdated components
High operating costs due to inefficient use of resources
Difficulties in integrating modern technologies

Central challenges of modernization

1 Technical complexity

Integrating new technologies into existing systems is often like open-heart surgery. Especially in the area of critical infrastructures, systems must remain available throughout the modernization process. The challenge is to make incremental improvements without jeopardizing ongoing operations.

2 Security aspects

As networking increases, so do the requirements for cyber security. Modern infrastructures must not only be efficient, but also resilient against cyber attacks. The integration of security-by-design principles into existing systems requires well thought-out strategies and expertise.

3. personnel development

The transition to modern technologies requires new skills. Employees need to be trained and new experts recruited. It is important to retain the valuable knowledge of existing systems and at the same time build up new skills.

Approaches for a successful transformation

Strategic planning and prioritization

The modernization process should begin with a thorough analysis of the existing infrastructure. Based on this, a phased transformation plan can be developed that takes the following aspects into account:

Identification of critical system components
Determination of modernization priorities
Definition of measurable success criteria
Creation of realistic schedules
Budgeting and resource planning

Modern technologies as enablers

New technologies offer a wide range of opportunities for modernization:

automation: by using automation solutions, manual processes can be digitized and made more efficient. This not only reduces the workload, but also minimizes the risk of human error.
cloud integration: Gradual migration to the cloud enables greater flexibility and scalability. Hybrid cloud solutions can serve as a bridge between legacy systems and modern cloud services.
software-defined networking (SDN): SDN technologies enable more flexible and efficient network control that can be adapted more easily to changing requirements.

Best practices for implementation

modular approach: The modernization should be divided into manageable sub-projects. This enables faster success and reduces the risk of disruptions.
continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD): The implementation of CI/CD pipelines enables a continuous and controlled introduction of new functions.
security as a fundamental principle: cyber security must be integrated into all modernization steps from the outset. This includes: Regular security audits, implementation of zero trust architectures, continuous monitoring and incident response

Conclusion and outlook

The modernization of legacy infrastructures is a complex but necessary process. The key to success lies in a well-thought-out strategy that takes technical, organizational and personnel aspects into account. Companies that proactively shape this change create the conditions for

Greater operational efficiency
Improved security and compliance
New business opportunities through digital innovation
More sustainable and cost-effective operating models

Investing in modern infrastructure is therefore not just a technical necessity, but a strategic decision for the future viability of the company.