What Counts as Legacy Technology
For state, local, and tribal governments, technology plays a critical role in daily operations. However, many agencies continue to use outdated technology for no other reason than if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
Technology today has entered a period of rapid growth and change, and as a result, that comfortable legacy technology can be a problem. Continuing to use outdated technology of all types can be costly beyond simple finances.
Legacy technology refers to any hardware, software, or system that is outdated but still in active use. It might be a server running an unsupported operating system, a phone system that has not been updated in a decade, or document software that no longer receives security patches.
Why the Risks of Legacy Technology Are Bigger Than They Look
While legacy technology may appear to function adequately, the fact is that legacy technology exposes your state, local, or tribal government to serious risks in today’s connected world. They include:
- Data breaches: Outdated systems often lack the security patches that are needed to protect against modern threats, leaving an open door to cybercrime. Strong network firewall security becomes much harder to maintain on hardware the manufacturer no longer supports.
- Rising operating costs: Aging equipment draws more energy, breaks down more often, and gets more expensive to service every year as parts and expertise grow scarce.
- Compliance gaps: Older systems may no longer meet the data protection and records standards that government agencies are held to, creating audit and liability problems.
Replacing legacy technology requires planning and budget, but the long-term costs of maintaining outdated systems are often far greater.
How to Plan a Legacy Technology Upgrade
The American Rescue Plan (ARP), signed into law in March 2021, delivered $350 billion to state, local, and tribal governments through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. Many agencies used that funding to replace aging systems and modernize their IT infrastructure. That funding window has now closed to new commitments. The deadline to obligate SLFRF funds passed on December 31, 2024, and any obligated funds must be fully spent by December 31, 2026.
For agencies that did not use ARP dollars to modernize, the underlying need has not gone away. The federal government’s own GAO report on legacy systems found in July 2025 that aging IT remains one of the most persistent risks across government, with most agencies still spending the large majority of their IT budgets simply keeping old systems running. Planning a modernization budget now, rather than waiting for the next funding cycle, is the practical path forward. A clear plan that maps which systems to replace first, what the work involves, and how to retire the old system makes the upgrade manageable and far easier to fund.
Modernizing legacy technology helps your team work more securely, communicate more efficiently, and stay compliant. DSI provides the technology New Mexico agencies used to retire aging systems, including the following:
- VoIP cloud-based phone systems: Replace outdated, hard-to-service phone hardware with a modern, supported communications platform.
- Wide format printers: Swap aging plotters and large-format units for current, energy-efficient equipment.
- Managed IT services: Hand off monitoring, patching, and support so old systems stop creating new emergencies.
- OneScreen interactive smart whiteboards: Modernize meeting and training rooms with current collaboration technology.
- Security cameras: Update legacy surveillance with current video security systems.
Ready to Reduce the Risks of Legacy Technology?
DSI helps state, local, and tribal organizations across New Mexico replace aging systems with secure, supported, and cost-effective technology. If outdated hardware or software is creating risk for your agency, our team can help you build a practical modernization plan. Reach out through any of the options below:
Jocelyn Gorman, the Executive Vice President of DSI, possesses a deep understanding of the unique requirements of growing businesses. With over a decade of experience collaborating with clients across various industries, she closely collaborates with her Sales Team to develop and implement tailored technology solutions. These solutions aim to enhance office productivity and minimize operational costs. Her remarkable ability to effectively address business challenges has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as the Cannata Report and Family Business Magazine.
