Is Your Legacy Digital Infrastructure Putting You at Risk?

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Presented by Tyler Technologies

By Tyler Technologies

Presented by Tyler Technologies

By Tyler Technologies

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By Steve Goll, Tyler Technologies
Agencies face high stakes with cyberattacks, workforce challenges, and outdated technologies. Considering these risks, state and local government leaders must decide whether to maintain their outdated legacy systems or invest in modern technology. Russell Gainford, a cloud expert at Tyler Technologies, suggests the way forward lies in strategic investments in modernization, particularly with cloud-based solutions. Gainford explains this path in his recent white paper, “Is Your Legacy Digital Infrastructure Putting You at Risk?” Let’s take a look.
5 Risks of Delaying Modernization

State and local governments expect to spend nearly $144 billion on IT in 2024. While there may be some short-term savings staying with existing technology, delaying modernization can be costly over the long haul. Gainford identified five key risks:

• Technical Debt: Legacy systems build up technical debt. In other words, trying to avoid the short-term costs to update technology often leads to higher expenses later when the software is no longer supported.

• Workforce Retirements: The aging public sector workforce poses a major risk. Many experienced IT workers are nearing retirement and will soon take their knowledge of legacy systems with them. At the other end of employment, new workers are not interested in outdated technology.

• Security Vulnerabilities: Older systems are more prone to cyberattacks and security threats. Let’s also not forget that on-premises software is more susceptible to natural or man-made disasters.
• Inefficient Workflows and Interoperability: Legacy systems often can’t streamline workflows or integrate data across departments. Employees must juggle multiple programs and handle paperwork and data manually.
• Faltering Technology Support: Legacy software vendors may stop providing support or fail to keep pace with technological advancements. Some may even go out of business, making their software obsolete. 

Modernization Is Accelerating in the Cloud

“There is a clear shift toward leveraging cloud strategies as the primary approach to modernization,” said Gainford. A 2023 survey by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers found that 60% of state CIOs have a “cloud strategy for moving applications to the cloud.” At Tyler, nearly 90% of new clients now choose cloud-based services over on-premises software, up from 50% in 2018.

The Benefits of Cloud-Based Modernization

Why should leaders migrate to the cloud? Gainford highlights several benefits:

• Technical Debt Reduction: Cloud solutions offer predictable subscription costs, automatic updates, and scalability, reducing technical debt and improving ROI. 
• Enhanced Workforce Efficiency: Modern technology reduces staff effort and attracts tech-savvy employees, supporting a more dynamic workforce. 
• Improved Security: Cloud-based solutions provide automatic security updates and robust access controls, protecting against cyberthreats. 
• Streamlined Workflows: Integrated cloud systems enable seamless data access and automation, reducing manual effort and improving productivity. 
• Reliable Support: A dedicated cloud partner ensures continuous system enhancements and long-term support, safeguarding your investment and optimizing your agency's data.

Conclusion

Operating with outdated technology is both challenging and risky. The benefits of cloud-based modernization outweigh the short-term savings of maintaining legacy systems. By partnering with a dedicated technology provider, government agencies can future-proof their operations, enhance efficiency, and protect against emerging threats. Learn more about modern technology solutions for state government.

Steve Goll is the editorial manager at Tyler Technologies, where he develops content to support the diverse needs of leaders in government.

This content is made possible by our sponsor Tyler Technologies; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of RouteFifity editorial staff.

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