Why Legacy Systems Cost More Than You Think — Hidden IT Infrastructure Expenses

This article examines why legacy IT systems frequently become a major hidden cost for organisations. It explains how outdated infrastructure drives expenses through increasing maintenance demands, reliance on specialised expertise, security weaknesses and compliance risks. Beyond direct costs, legacy systems slow processes, limit flexibility and reduce an organisation’s ability to innovate. The article also highlights the long-term operational risks of unsupported technologies, including data access and business continuity challenges. By revealing these hidden cost factors, it demonstrates why organisations should consider modernisation, system decommissioning or secure data archiving. Readers gain a clear understanding of how reducing dependency on legacy IT can lower costs, minimise risk and support sustainable digital transformation.