Why Aging IT Infrastructure Puts Your Business at Risk
Technology is critical to your company’s efficiency and productivity—especially in a rapidly changing business environment. Many small and medium-sized companies continue to rely on outdated IT systems, which can lead to significant operational delays, higher costs, and security risks. In this article, we discuss the top six risks of running on legacy technology and why it’s crucial to keep your infrastructure current.
1) Increased Downtime
Outdated IT infrastructure and devices often lead to system failures, delays, and other issues that increase downtime. According to the Datacenter Uptime Institute, companies lose an estimated 545 hours of employee productivity per year due to IT system-related downtime. For large enterprises, Forbes reports the cost of downtime can exceed $1 million per hour. While SMBs may face lower direct costs, the impact is often more damaging—causing lost revenue, frustrated teams, and unhappy customers.
2) Higher Maintenance Costs
Time is money! Maintaining aging IT infrastructure can be both costly and inefficient. CIODIVE reports that companies relying on outdated IT hardware may spend up to 80% of their IT budget on maintenance alone. Instead of investing in reliable, modern technology, many organizations pour resources into repairing legacy systems. These outdated tools not only slow down productivity but also increase the likelihood of failure.
3) Reduced Productivity
Legacy technology can be a major barrier to productivity. Forbes notes that employees lose an average of 22 minutes per day to tech-related issues, adding up to more than two weeks of lost productivity per employee per year. When systems are slow, crash frequently, or can’t support newer tools, employees become frustrated—ultimately impacting job satisfaction and morale.
4) Cybersecurity Threats
Cybercriminals often target outdated IT systems because they lack updated security protections. According to Forbes, the average U.S. data breach costs $9.44 million. Systems that are beyond their end-of-life and no longer supported create major vulnerabilities. Aging IT infrastructure cannot keep up with modern cyber threats, increasing the risk of data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
5) Customer Satisfaction and Competitive Disadvantage
When systems fail or networks lag, customers feel the effects. Poor performance and unreliable service can lead to dissatisfaction and lost revenue. Businesses using outdated IT systems fall behind competitors who embrace current technology, missing opportunities for growth and innovation. In contrast, companies with modern IT infrastructure are more agile, reliable, and customer-focused—building long-term loyalty.
6) Compliance Issues
Many industries face strict regulatory requirements around data protection and system integrity. Staying compliant becomes increasingly difficult with outdated IT systems. If your technology can’t meet compliance standards, your business could face fines, penalties, or even legal action. Moreover, failing to protect client data can seriously damage trust and your brand’s reputation.
How to Mitigate the Impact of Legacy Technology
To avoid these risks, companies should invest in a lifecycle upgrade plan that includes regular hardware refreshes, cloud-based tools, robust cybersecurity, and business continuity strategies. Staying proactive with your technology helps you maintain reliability, reduce long-term expenses, and remain competitive in your market.
Planning Ahead for Smarter IT Investments
Technology costs are expected to continue rising due to industry-wide changes. While no one can predict exact timelines, staying proactive with upgrades helps you avoid rushed decisions later—and ensures your infrastructure remains reliable, secure, and effective.
Let’s Build a Stronger IT Foundation
At ABM Technology Group, we work with businesses to modernize their systems and reduce the risks associated with outdated IT infrastructure. If you’re looking to improve productivity, security, and long-term performance, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you take the right steps toward a more future-ready technology environment.
