At our latest Tech Connect Leadership Roundtable, hosted by James Lund of ProFocus Technology, technology leaders from across the country gathered virtually to discuss a challenge all organizations face: how to modernize tech systems while balancing innovation, legacy infrastructure, and operational needs.
This quick recap contains the unfiltered insights and lived experiences shared by CIOs, CTOs, and tech executives navigating modernization.
Key Takeaways for Tech Leaders
1. Modernization Starts with Definition Modernization means different things to different organizations. For some, it’s about moving from on-prem to cloud. For others, it’s replacing a 20-year-old ERP or simply updating outdated codebases. One technology leader emphasized that modernization must ultimately lead to cost reduction, scalability, or improved usability—otherwise, it’s not truly modernization.
2. Legacy Systems Are Costly, but Familiar Multiple leaders referenced outdated systems like Delphi, ColdFusion, or monolithic Microsoft frameworks that still “just work” but are difficult to scale or staff. One technology executive noted the paradox: these legacy tools remain stable but become bottlenecks for growth and compatibility over time.
3. The Talent Gap Is Real Several technology leaders warned that maintaining legacy platforms is not just a tech challenge, but a staffing one. As fewer developers are trained in old systems, the cost of hiring or retraining grows—sometimes making a rebuild or platform switch the more sustainable path.
4. Cloud Migration Must Be Strategic Organizations shared how regulatory concerns, data sensitivity, and cost per use shape their decisions around cloud adoption. Some take a measured approach—educating users and gradually moving workloads with a mix of “carrots and sticks.”
5. Change Management and User Buy-In Are Crucial Modernization isn’t just technical—it’s cultural. Leaders discussed how modernization efforts often get derailed by last-minute objections or unaddressed user needs. One participant described situations where long-lost processes surface late in the project and derail timelines unless thoroughly investigated upfront.
6. Governance and Guardrails Enable Innovation With AI tools and shadow IT rising, technology leaders stressed the importance of proactive governance. Building frameworks that support experimentation while protecting IP and data is a recurring theme, especially for organizations embracing generative AI and custom development tools.
7. Greenfield Isn’t Always the Best Path While the idea of building a fresh, custom system is tempting, leaders acknowledge the high cost and risk. Many shared that a phased approach—replacing components, integrating best-of-breed tools, and aligning with business objectives—delivers better long-term results.
Actionable Strategies
- Audit before you act: Understand how legacy tools are used and validate whether those needs still exist. Many requirements are outdated or based on long-gone workflows.
- Balance carrot and stick: Use clear incentives and deadlines when driving tech adoption. Education and transparency build trust, while phased enforcement ensures follow-through.
- Align modernization to outcomes: Whether the goal is cost savings, user experience, or scalability, modernization efforts must be tied to measurable outcomes.
- Embrace hybrid approaches: Full platform overhauls aren’t always feasible. Integrate cloud-native tools or APIs around legacy systems when appropriate.
- Invest in change champions: Identify leaders within departments who can bridge the gap between users and IT, helping to drive adoption and reduce resistance.
ProFocus Technology is dedicated to fostering connections among industry leaders and driving meaningful discussions that shape the future of our tech ecosystem and workplaces. If you’re interested in joining fellow tech leaders at future roundtables, reach out to [email protected].
