[{"innerBlocks":[],"name":"core\/freeform","postId":126001,"blockType":{"name":"core\/freeform","keywords":[],"attributes":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"providesContext":[],"usesContext":[],"selectors":[],"supports":{"className":false,"customClassName":false,"reusable":false},"styles":[],"variations":[],"apiVersion":3,"title":"Classic","description":"Use the classic WordPress editor.","category":"text"},"originalContent":"The relationship an organization has with legacy software is often difficult to explain. But there eventually comes a time when it\u2019s necessary to move on and upgrade to a newer solution. When that time arrives, do you know how to facilitate a seamless transition that puts the organization in a position to maximize long-term success?

The right software can make a major difference for businesses that are seeking to obtain or maintain a competitive advantage in their industry or niche. Unfortunately, it\u2019s easy to become accustomed to the legacy software you\u2019re using and to avoid transitioning to something new. But upgrading your existing software to the latest innovation is often the best move you can make. In doing so, you\u2019ll enjoy benefits like:

Improved functionality. <\/b>New software wouldn\u2019t exist if it didn\u2019t have something fresh to offer. It has innovative features that legacy solutions simply don\u2019t possess. As a result, upgrading gives your business access to improved functionality.

Better user experience. <\/b>If you\u2019ve been using legacy software for years, you probably aren\u2019t aware of just how bulky and cumbersome it is. Newer software is far smoother and much more intuitive. The user interfaces tend to be much easier to use and can be customized to each individual user. This creates a better user experience, which limits user-side frustration and promotes efficiency.

Evolving business practices. \u201c<\/b>If the original legacy system is not scalable, then it may be difficult to upgrade or add-on for coverage of the changing needs,\u201d writes Barney Edwards<\/a>, a project manager in the software development space. \u201cIn addition, you may have vendors or partners that have upgraded their systems, making it difficult or even impossible for your legacy system to link with theirs.\u201d When you upgrade your legacy software to a newer system, you\u2019re instantly able to account for evolving businesses practices and remain competitive in the larger business landscape.

In almost every situation, organizations discover that\u2014after experiencing the benefits of upgraded software\u2014their legacy software was actually holding them back from being the most competitive and profitable that they could be. But it\u2019s often hard to recognize this in the moment.

As you execute an upgrade of legacy software, there are some things that are important to do,

Research options<\/b>
Any good legacy upgrading process begins with exhaustive research. Depending on the type of software you\u2019re trying to find, you\u2019ll most likely have a handful of options to choose from. On the surface, they\u2019ll all look fairly similar. But when you dig in, you\u2019ll find they differ significantly.

The objective is to find a solution that closely matches your legacy system while offering advances and innovative features that pave the way for improved efficiency, profitability, or whatever it is that you\u2019re seeking in an upgrade.

Ensure compatibility <\/b>
Compatibility is the biggest problem businesses encounter when upgrading legacy solutions. You need to be sure that any new solution you adopt will be compatible with the rest of your technology stack and IT infrastructure. If it\u2019s not, you\u2019ll end up causing more harm than good.

Use the right tools<\/b>
These days, there\u2019s a tool for everything. Be meticulous in your due diligence and try to foresee as many issues as you can before<\/i> they occur. Then arm yourself with a solution or tool to provide insulation from undue risk.

For example, challenges can easily stem from the migration of existing content to a new tool or piece of software. Planning ahead will lessen the likelihood of encountering issues. If you have user manuals associated with your software, the right software documentation tool<\/a> will streamline this process.

Test the new system<\/b>
Compatibility testing plays an important role in determining the type of software you need and whether a specific solution will help your business.

\u201cEstablish what will and won\u2019t work natively across different operating systems, web browsers or applications,\u201d software developer Chris Rickard writes<\/a>. \u201cOnly then will you truly understand what your business needs to keep moving forward in a productive and profitable manner.\u201d

In the moment, such thorough testing can seem like a waste of time. But when you consider how much you\u2019ll be using this new solution\u2014and how much it\u2019ll cost you\u2014the due diligence is worth every second.

There may not be anything wrong with your legacy software, in and of itself. But if you\u2019re sticking with an old solution, you\u2019re doing so at the expense of newer, advanced software that could make your business more progressive, competitive, efficient, or profitable.","saveContent":"The relationship an organization has with legacy software is often difficult to explain. But there eventually comes a time when it\u2019s necessary to move on and upgrade to a newer solution. When that time arrives, do you know how to facilitate a seamless transition that puts the organization in a position to maximize long-term success?

The right software can make a major difference for businesses that are seeking to obtain or maintain a competitive advantage in their industry or niche. Unfortunately, it\u2019s easy to become accustomed to the legacy software you\u2019re using and to avoid transitioning to something new. But upgrading your existing software to the latest innovation is often the best move you can make. In doing so, you\u2019ll enjoy benefits like:

Improved functionality. <\/b>New software wouldn\u2019t exist if it didn\u2019t have something fresh to offer. It has innovative features that legacy solutions simply don\u2019t possess. As a result, upgrading gives your business access to improved functionality.

Better user experience. <\/b>If you\u2019ve been using legacy software for years, you probably aren\u2019t aware of just how bulky and cumbersome it is. Newer software is far smoother and much more intuitive. The user interfaces tend to be much easier to use and can be customized to each individual user. This creates a better user experience, which limits user-side frustration and promotes efficiency.

Evolving business practices. \u201c<\/b>If the original legacy system is not scalable, then it may be difficult to upgrade or add-on for coverage of the changing needs,\u201d writes Barney Edwards<\/a>, a project manager in the software development space. \u201cIn addition, you may have vendors or partners that have upgraded their systems, making it difficult or even impossible for your legacy system to link with theirs.\u201d When you upgrade your legacy software to a newer system, you\u2019re instantly able to account for evolving businesses practices and remain competitive in the larger business landscape.

In almost every situation, organizations discover that\u2014after experiencing the benefits of upgraded software\u2014their legacy software was actually holding them back from being the most competitive and profitable that they could be. But it\u2019s often hard to recognize this in the moment.

As you execute an upgrade of legacy software, there are some things that are important to do,

Research options<\/b>
Any good legacy upgrading process begins with exhaustive research. Depending on the type of software you\u2019re trying to find, you\u2019ll most likely have a handful of options to choose from. On the surface, they\u2019ll all look fairly similar. But when you dig in, you\u2019ll find they differ significantly.

The objective is to find a solution that closely matches your legacy system while offering advances and innovative features that pave the way for improved efficiency, profitability, or whatever it is that you\u2019re seeking in an upgrade.

Ensure compatibility <\/b>
Compatibility is the biggest problem businesses encounter when upgrading legacy solutions. You need to be sure that any new solution you adopt will be compatible with the rest of your technology stack and IT infrastructure. If it\u2019s not, you\u2019ll end up causing more harm than good.

Use the right tools<\/b>
These days, there\u2019s a tool for everything. Be meticulous in your due diligence and try to foresee as many issues as you can before<\/i> they occur. Then arm yourself with a solution or tool to provide insulation from undue risk.

For example, challenges can easily stem from the migration of existing content to a new tool or piece of software. Planning ahead will lessen the likelihood of encountering issues. If you have user manuals associated with your software, the right software documentation tool<\/a> will streamline this process.

Test the new system<\/b>
Compatibility testing plays an important role in determining the type of software you need and whether a specific solution will help your business.

\u201cEstablish what will and won\u2019t work natively across different operating systems, web browsers or applications,\u201d software developer Chris Rickard writes<\/a>. \u201cOnly then will you truly understand what your business needs to keep moving forward in a productive and profitable manner.\u201d

In the moment, such thorough testing can seem like a waste of time. But when you consider how much you\u2019ll be using this new solution\u2014and how much it\u2019ll cost you\u2014the due diligence is worth every second.

There may not be anything wrong with your legacy software, in and of itself. But if you\u2019re sticking with an old solution, you\u2019re doing so at the expense of newer, advanced software that could make your business more progressive, competitive, efficient, or profitable.","order":0,"get_parent":{},"attributes":[],"attributesType":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"dynamicContent":""}]

4 steps organizations can take to upgrade legacy software

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