Modernization has always been expensive and risky. Over the years, as one generation of hardware and software replaced another, IT executives have continued to struggle with the core dilemma: leave older technology in place and make do, or take the riskier path of rip and replace.
This dilemma invariably led to the increasing prevalence of legacy — dated technology that, nevertheless, remains in place because it still provides value, while IT leadership deems replacing it as too risky.