A Framework for Evaluating Legacy Systems – A Case Study

Abstract

The phenomenon of legacy systems is very complex, insufficiently understood or viewed in isolation in theory and practice, leading to many failed modernization projects even with significant invested funds. In this paper, within the framework of a case study, the problems of legacy systems are observed and classified into appropriate perspectives. A framework for evaluating legacy systems is proposed, which aims to contribute to a better understanding of legacy systems and, thus, to the selection of a suitable modernization strategy for a specific system. A case study was conducted at PUC BWS, together with a value chain analysis. After that, research was carried out on certain city water supply systems in Serbia and the region, where respondents presented their views, as well as professional opinions on legacy systems. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the proposed conceptual framework can serve as a tool through which it can be checked whether the system exhibits the characteristics of the legacy system.