1.1.3 Outline compatibility issues resulting from situations including legacy systems or business mergers.

Topic 1.1.3

Outline compatibility issues resulting from situations including legacy system or business merger

Key concepts

Legacy system - In computing, a legacy system is an old method, technology, computer system, or application program, that may or may not be supported/available for purchase any more.

When organizations interact, particularly on an international basis, there may be issues of software compatibility and language differences. They need to use one computing system which is called legacy system. Even if it is no longer used, a legacy system may continue to impact the organization due to its historical role. Historic data may not have been converted into the new system format and may exist within the new system with the use of a customized schema crosswalk, or may exist only in a data warehouse. In either case, the effect on business intelligence and operational reporting can be significant. A legacy system may include procedures or terminology which are no longer relevant in the current context, and may hinder or confuse understanding of the methods or technologies used.

Definition - What does Legacy System mean?

A legacy system, in the context of computing, refers to outdated computer systems, programming languages or application software that are used instead of available upgraded versions. -http://www.techopedia.com/definition/635/legacy-system


Disadvantages:

The cost of maintaining an older system can be higher than maintaining a more updated version. The staff might not be familiar with such an outdated version of the system.
Tech support may no longer be available.
The data in the current system might not be compatible with newer systems and conversion may not be possible.
Legacy systems are usually more vulnerable to security threats due to lack of security patches.
Integration of newer systems may be a complicated process as the two systems may have completely different technologies
  Merger - a combination of two things, especially companies, into one.
Mergers are complicated! Rarely any two businesses on the world use the exact same systems. So, when two businesses merge, it is a major issue to get their systems to work together. Some issues are listed below: – Language differences – Part of business operating in a different country than host using an older version of a system – If workers delegate, will their laptops work in other departments? – If an American and an European businesses merge, their unit systems need to be merged (one uses SI units, one doesn't) – Businesses not using same software environment (Microsoft Exchange vs. IBM Lotus Notes)