Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

Your team is divided on IT infrastructure. How can you bridge the gap between legacy systems and innovation?

Navigating the complexities of IT infrastructure can be a daunting task, especially when your team is split on how to integrate legacy systems with innovative technologies. Legacy systems are established software or hardware that, despite being outdated, continue to be used because they still function for certain needs. Innovation, on the other hand, involves adopting new technologies that can offer better performance, efficiency, and features. The challenge lies in finding a balance that leverages the reliability of legacy systems while embracing the advantages of modern solutions.

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1 Understand Needs

To bridge the gap between legacy systems and innovation, start by comprehensively understanding the needs of your organization. This involves evaluating the functionalities of the current systems and identifying the areas that require improvement. Engage with different stakeholders to gather insights on how the existing infrastructure supports their work and where it falls short. By aligning your IT strategy with your organization's goals and the end-users' needs, you can create a roadmap that accommodates both legacy and innovative solutions.

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Alexis C.

Responsable infrastructure informatique
I’ve found that using the Fermi method to get a rough picture before implementing incremental rollout offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility and scalability. This approach allows us to estimate potential outcomes and identify key factors before breaking down the migration process into smaller, manageable phases. One of the key benefits of incremental rollout is the reduced risk. By upgrading one step at a time, we can minimize the risk of widespread disruption. Issues can be identified and resolved within specific phases without impacting the entire system. We can prioritize investments based on immediate needs and budget constraints, ensuring that we’re getting the most value from our IT budget.
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2 Evaluate Options

Once you understand the needs, evaluate the available options for integrating legacy systems with new technologies. This may involve upgrading certain components, adopting middleware to ensure compatibility, or gradually phasing out older systems in favor of newer ones. Consider the costs, risks, and potential disruption to operations. It's crucial to weigh the long-term benefits against the short-term challenges to make informed decisions that will serve your organization well into the future.

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3 Plan Transition

Planning a smooth transition is critical to minimizing disruption. Create a detailed plan that outlines each step of the integration process, from training staff on new systems to migrating data. Establish clear timelines and milestones to track progress. It's important to ensure that everyone involved understands their role in the transition and is prepared to adapt to the changes. Effective communication and change management strategies are key to a successful transition.

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Wisdom Obinna

Digital Communications, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
While planning transition is an important part of the overall process, understanding the experiential level and overall ability of your team members is fundamental. Making arrangements in settings of skill inadequacy is crucial. You can have amazing plans, training plans and similar nice ideas only to find out that training alone might not be enough for handling a transition. Employing a staff with the skills etc necessary for this change might be crucial.
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4 Foster Collaboration

Fostering collaboration across your team is essential when dealing with divided opinions on IT infrastructure. Encourage open dialogue and create opportunities for team members to share their expertise and concerns. A collaborative environment helps build consensus and ensures that all voices are heard. By working together, your team can find innovative solutions that respect the value of legacy systems while moving forward with technological advancements.

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Wisdom Obinna

Digital Communications, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Collaboration is a vital part of the process. An example I have seen is the pandemic in 2020, when some departments in an organization (xy) moved to conducting their meetings on teams and meet, a lack of agreement in 2019 by the sales department in xy, meant that the whole team had to wait till the lock down to start really using teams which was a burden to the other parts of the organization. Consensus is easier said than achieved. What we should aim for is getting closer to an agreement. Having the whole team on board ensures everyone plays their part which enhances results.
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5 Manage Risks

Managing risks associated with integrating legacy systems and new technologies is a crucial step. Identify potential issues that could arise during the transition, such as data loss, system incompatibilities, or security vulnerabilities. Develop contingency plans to address these risks and maintain regular backups. By proactively managing risks, you can ensure a smoother integration process and safeguard your organization's data and operations.

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6 Continuous Improvement

Finally, adopting a mindset of continuous improvement will help bridge the gap between legacy systems and innovation. Technology is constantly evolving, and what is considered innovative today may become obsolete tomorrow. Regularly review and update your IT infrastructure to keep pace with technological advancements. Encourage ongoing learning and experimentation within your team to foster an environment where innovation can thrive alongside reliable legacy systems.

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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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Your team is divided on IT infrastructure. How can you bridge the gap between legacy systems and innovation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Needs

2 Evaluate Options

3 Plan Transition

4 Foster Collaboration

5 Manage Risks

6 Continuous Improvement

7 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Engineering

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Your team is divided on IT infrastructure. How can you bridge the gap between legacy systems and innovation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Needs

2 Evaluate Options

3 Plan Transition

4 Foster Collaboration

5 Manage Risks

6 Continuous Improvement

7 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Engineering

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