2 minute read
Mark Owens
Columnist
Mark Owens
Managing Director (NI) at Civica
Why Public Services Should Look to Modernise Rather Than Scrap Ageing Applications
Our public services are increasingly faced with the challenge of what to do with ageing or outdated technologies. Civica’s Mark Owens looks at the benefits of modernising rather than replacing older software applications.
Given the lightning pace of technological advancement, vanguard software applications can very quickly become vintage tech. This is a particular challenge for vital public services across Northern Ireland like hospitals, schools and local councils, which are increasingly reliant on data-driven technologies to deliver services which meet both the needs and changing expectations of citizens.
Ageing apps throw up all kinds of practical issues, from limited functionality to poor integration with other systems, resulting in ineffective sharing of data across our public services. A lack of data sharing in turn prevents officials – be they civil servants or hospital staff – from making the best, most informed decisions to support those most in need.
Don’t replace it, renovate it
The obvious solution, one might imagine, is to simply scrap old tech and procure newer solutions which obviate all of the above-mentioned problems. By taking this approach, however, public bodies run the risk of ending up in exactly the same place a few years down the line, with more outdated tech delivering little value. There is, however, a smarter, simpler and more cost-effective approach to tackling ageing software applications – modernise them. managing director (NI) at Civica Our public services are facing mounting pressures, fuelled by post-pandemic backlogs, a burgeoning cost of living crisis and an unpredictable global situation. In this climate, it makes sense, wherever possible, to renovate and repurpose existing apps, rather than going down the costly and timeconsuming route of procuring new solutions. Modernising and enhancing your existing suite of software applications can be a far more costeffective and efficient option for public bodies, a majority of whom depend increasingly on those apps to deliver a whole range of services. This has become even more prevalent in the postpandemic world, with a growing public appetite for more digital services across every age category.
Modernise and get the most out of your tech
App modernisation allows public bodies to get more out of their existing technologies without incurring unnecessary spend and losing valuable hours to the procurement and onboarding of new solutions. A prime example is Cloud migration. Many public organisations still use software applications which rely on on-premises infrastructure, which can be costly in terms of maintenance and the niche skills required. Modernising your existing suite of apps and moving them to the Cloud offers improved reliability and resilience, as well as security and performance. The latter point is increasingly important, with the recent Digital, Data and Technology Playbook warning that obsolete software is particularly vulnerable to ever more elaborate forms of cyber-crime. Another crucial advantage of the Cloud is that it allows public bodies to exploit the opportunities offered by modern technologies, including AI and automation, to extend application functionality. Better, smarter, more connected software applications will ensure our public services deliver better outcomes for citizens and communities.
About Civica
Civica is the UK’s largest software company focused on the public sector. With over 30 years of proven expertise, we hold an undisputed leadership position in our markets around the world:
