Options to better manage legacy data

The legacy data landscape

Legacy data management has become an increasing concern in the digital age. As businesses evolve and technology advances, the question of how to navigate legacy or read-only systems.

Robert pointed out that legacy systems, though outdated, persist for a multitude of reasons. They primarily serve as repositories for historical data. This data is often retained for historical business purposes, legal obligations, audits, or to comply with industry regulations. However, the challenge arises when businesses accumulate a multitude of legacy systems due to digital transformation, mergers, acquisitions, or the need to preserve specific data.

Challenges and risks of legacy systems

To effectively manage legacy data, it’s crucial to understand the challenges and risks involved. Robert highlighted some of the most pressing concerns:

• Legacy systems demand substantial financial resources for maintenance and upkeep.
• These systems run on outdated technology, making them vulnerable and less efficient.
• Older systems may lack robust security measures, leaving them exposed to potential threats.
• Staying audit-compliant

Industries and legacy data

While the need for legacy data management is universal, certain industries face more stringent data retention requirements. Pharmaceuticals and aviation, for instance, must retain data for extended periods due to strict regulations. Nonetheless, legacy systems are prevalent across various sectors, underscoring the broad-reaching importance of this issue.

Legacy data management solutions

The conversation with Robert also touched upon solutions to better manage legacy data. These include:

• Virtualisation to extend the life of legacy systems.
• Archiving reports
• System decommissioning, specialised legacy data management tools include, SAP ILM, widely used , offering storing and reporting capabilities or Proceed Cella, developed in-house, to complements SAP ILM, offering a, cloud-ready solution with a user-friendly interface.

Key steps to success

Robert emphasised that effective legacy data management is not just about technical implementation. It requires collaboration with stakeholders who comprehend data requirements, legal considerations, and business needs. The journey to successful legacy data management involves a balance between technical skils and expertise in defining data requirements – from extraction to user acceptance testing.