Your enterprise’s success hinges on its ability to evolve.
With approximately 20% of the JD Edwards EnterpriseOne customer base still using pre-9.2 versions and many more not yet on Release 23 or 24, this blog may be your lifeline.
The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 should be a poignant reminder of the dangers of outdated software. By exploiting a vulnerability in older versions of Microsoft Windows, hackers were able to access and affect 200,000 computers across 150 companies . All of these were running outdated versions of Windows, leaving them vulnerable.
Outdated software isn’t just about a lack of new features; it’s about the survival of your business.
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it
A complacency mindset is the reason why many companies postpone system overhauls. When replacing old systems can be straining on finances, resources, and time, it’s all too easy to keep things as they are.
What is the upgrade even changing?
Why would I spend that much money?
How long will an upgrade take?
Why should my team spend time testing the new software?
These questions lead companies to postpone updating their tech stack until absolutely necessary, but this can have far-reaching and potentially severe consequences.
The Alarming Accumulation of Code Debt
Let’s cut to the chase – every day you delay an upgrade, you accumulate technical debt. This isn’t a mere inconvenience; it’s a financial and operational burden that grows with each passing moment. The longer you wait, the more convoluted your systems become, and the costlier the eventual upgrade.
Consider this: the average cost of fixing a major defect in outdated software is $1.25 million.
The old adage ‘time is money’ couldn’t be more true when it comes to updating your systems. Your delay is not just procrastination; it’s a gamble with your enterprise’s financial health.
The True Cost of Inaction
For the sceptics out there, let’s talk numbers. Companies operating on legacy systems face an increased risk of security breaches, with an estimated 77% higher risk compared to those on the latest versions.
The average cost of a data breach? A jaw-dropping $4.45 million.
When your legacy system was developed, it may have been on top of the cybersecurity practices of the time. But the threat landscape changes day by day, and legacy systems are getting left behind.
These aren’t hypothetical scenarios; they are the stark realities of an outdated infrastructure. Your enterprise isn’t just risking inconvenience; it’s risking its very survival .
The Upgrade Payoff
Now, onto the brighter side – the benefits of being code current. Beyond the obvious advantages of protecting your data and eliminating vulnerabilities, upgrading from an older release presents a unique opportunity to streamline operations.
Imagine your workforce empowered by streamlined processes, reduced bottlenecks and accelerated productivity, freeing your team up to work on the things that matter.
What’s more, upgrading isn’t just about adding new features; it’s about optimising what you already have. Upgrading your software allows you to eliminate customised code. The immediate payoff? A reduction in cost of ownership and a simultaneous boost in system performance.
It’s not just a level-up; it’s a strategic move to boost productivity and profitability.
DWS’s Toolbox for Risk Reduction
In the grand scheme of digital evolution, your enterprise stands at a crossroads. The longer you delay, the steeper the climb becomes. Getting to code current isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative.
Acknowledging the legitimate concerns of cost and risk, DWS provides solutions that rely on proprietary methods and tools that have been developed over many years. Our Dimension Analyze service ensures you know exactly what has changed down to a pixel level of detail, reducing the fear of the unknown. The Dimension Professional tools establish fixed timescales and budgets and allow us to deliver retrofit development projects with near-zero defect levels, providing the clarity you need. And for the all-important testing phase, SwiftTest enables the automation of large parts of your EnterpriseOne system thereby significantly reducing the testing burden and human error.
The question isn’t why upgrade; it’s why wait? The longer you hesitate, the further you fall behind. The choice is yours, but remember, time waits for no one.
