Legacy Systems
The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) provides a comprehensive framework for managing and modernizing legacy IT systems within public sector organisations. This guidance aims to address the challenges posed by outdated technology, ensuring that government services remain efficient, secure, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of citizens.
Legacy IT systems, often outdated and difficult to maintain, can hinder the delivery of effective public services. By following this guidance, we can assess the risks associated with legacy systems, prioritize modernization efforts, and implement best practices for managing these systems. The goal is to reduce technical debt, improve system performance, and enhance overall service delivery.
Guidance
Guidance on the Legacy IT Risk Assessment Framework
This guidance outlines the Legacy IT Risk Assessment Framework, a qualitative risk-based approach designed to evaluate the criticality of legacy-related risks across government entities. The framework has been developed in collaboration with departments. It utilises established legacy frameworks and industry models, this self-assessment tool is tailored for use by public sector organisations. All ministerial departments have been integrated into the framework.
Managing Legacy Technology
The Managing Legacy Technology guidance provides principles for handling outdated IT systems within the public sector. It emphasises continuous improvement planning, maintaining an accurate register of data assets, understanding the full extent of systems and infrastructure, building IT team skills, and having a flexible service model. The guidance also highlights the importance of considering business needs, processes, and culture, and using the Technology Code of Practice as a decision-making basis.
Commercial and Supplier Management Approach to Mitigating and Preventing Legacy IT
Published by Government Commercial Function, the Legacy IT Guidance document highlights the commercial significance of managing legacy IT systems. It focuses on the importance of strategic contract management with suppliers to ensure that technology remains current and adaptable. The guidance advises on incorporating clauses in contracts that mandate regular updates and maintenance, preventing systems from becoming obsolete. It also emphasizes the need for forward planning and commercial strategies to mitigate future legacy IT issues, ensuring that procurement and supplier relationships support long-term modernization goals.