Pause for Thought: Legacy Technology Vs Sustainability

A recent survey of 250 senior IT decision-makers in the UK carried out by Daisy Corporate Services has highlighted that outdated infrastructure is contributing significantly to sustainability challenges, with nearly two-thirds (63%) of IT leaders acknowledging that legacy systems are a substantial burden on their organisations' environmental goals. This concern is emerging at a time when businesses are under growing pressure to operate more sustainably.

The survey indicates that legacy hardware accounts for more than a third (37%) of an organisation's overall energy consumption, underscoring the environmental impact of maintaining outdated technology. Given that sustainability and energy efficiency are crucial to modern business operations, it's not surprising that almost nine out of ten IT leaders (86%) agree on the importance of these factors in their departments. Furthermore, 84% of respondents have set specific IT efficiency targets to tackle these issues. However, only about half (51%) of IT leaders express confidence in achieving these targets, revealing a gap between aspirations and actual performance.

Beyond sustainability concerns, legacy technology also creates financial challenges. The research found that nearly a third (29%) of IT budgets are dedicated to supporting, maintaining, and managing outdated hardware, contributing to increased operational costs. This expenditure, combined with rising pressure to cut capital costs, is pushing IT leaders to seek more flexible and cost-effective solutions. More than two-thirds (69%) of survey respondents describe this pressure to reduce IT spending as "significant," indicating a pressing need to address the costs associated with legacy technology.

One proposed solution to this problem is transitioning to a consumption-based IT infrastructure model, allowing organisations to pay only for the resources they use rather than maintaining costly hardware.

Among the IT leaders surveyed, 86% believe this approach would benefit their organisations by offering greater flexibility and reducing costs. This shift aligns with the broader trend towards cloud-based services and on-demand resource allocation, which can help companies lower their carbon footprint while improving cost-efficiency.

Additionally, IT leaders are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to boost operational efficiency and minimise waste. A significant majority of IT decision-makers (82%) believe that AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for Operations) will enhance their IT systems in the future, leading to more streamlined processes and reduced resource consumption. This growing interest in AIOps reflects the desire to leverage technology to improve operations and contribute to sustainability goals.

Overall, the findings from the survey suggest that IT leaders are aware of the sustainability and cost-related challenges posed by legacy technology. As organisations prioritise environmental responsibility, addressing the impact of outdated infrastructure will be key to achieving a more sustainable future.

If you are interested in learning more about Sustainable IT contact Venture 1 Consulting here