Outdated IT Systems Are Costing You More Than You Think

The hidden productivity and security risks of ageing IT infrastructure

Old Tech Isn’t Just Slower — It’s Riskier and More Expensive

Many legal and finance firms continue to rely on outdated hardware, legacy systems, and patched-together networks. But what seems like a “cost-saving” decision often leads to far greater costs in lost productivity, security exposure, and operational inefficiency.

In fact, slow systems may be quietly costing your firm more than a full IT refresh ever would.

Here’s why.

1. Slow Devices = Hidden Hours Lost

When users are delayed by slow boot-up times, lagging systems, or frozen software, the time adds up — fast.

• If each team member loses just 15 minutes a day to slow systems, that’s over 60 hours per person per year

• Across a 20-person firm, that’s 1,200+ hours lost annually — equivalent to 30 full working weeks

And that’s before you factor in staff frustration, errors, or delays in delivering client work.

2. Outdated Systems Are a Cybersecurity Risk

Older infrastructure often can’t support the latest security patches, leaving firms vulnerable to:

• Ransomware and phishing attacks

• Unpatched software exploits

• Unsupported operating systems

Modern threats evolve fast. If your systems can’t be updated or protected quickly, they become the weakest link in your defence.

Many cyber insurers now refuse coverage for firms using out-of-date or unsupported systems.

Hybrid Working Needs More Than a Patchwork Setup

If your remote or hybrid team is working through old VPNs, slow Citrix environments, or disjointed software, you’re not set up for long-term performance.

Symptoms we often hear from clients before we modernise their systems:

• Long log-in times

• File syncing issues between office and home

• Frequent calls to IT support just to “get back in”

• Inconsistent user experience across devices

A cloud-first, standardised environment solves these challenges — and often lowers long-term IT support needs.

Repair Costs and Downtime Add Up

Older systems are more prone to failure — and often require more hands-on support. You may be spending more just to keep them running:

• Increased support tickets and call-outs

• Compatibility issues with new software

• Costly last-minute fixes for crashes or outages

And downtime? That’s where the real losses come in.

According to industry estimates, SME downtime costs £3,000–£5,000 per hour on average — not including reputational damage.

Compliance and Regulation Are Harder to Meet

For legal and finance firms, failing to meet regulatory expectations (SRA, GDPR, FCA) can have serious consequences. Older infrastructure may lack:

• Proper access controls and encryption

• Secure backup and recovery

• Clear audit trails and activity logs

Without these, your compliance risk increases — and your ability to prove due diligence decreases.

The Bottom Line: Tech Should Be an Enabler, Not a Bottleneck

Holding onto old systems often feels like the “safe” option. But in reality, it can create an invisible drain on your team, your clients, and your bottom line.

Not sure what your outdated systems are really costing you?
Book a no-pressure IT review — and let’s identify the gaps before they become liabilities.