Investment protection for heritage systems

Asset management and cost reduction are two very important considerations for today´s Information Technology (IT) practitioners. This paper gives a fresh insight into the true value of Heritage Information Technology systems. Articulating the current content, size and value of IT within an organization has rarely been attempted. Lip service is frequently given to “Investment Protection,” without the underlying analysis that supports the evaluation of the content, size, and value of the investment. This paper gives an approach that may be used to consider the content of your current investment in IT. The paper then discusses several methods for putting a value on the content of the IT systems. From this analysis you should be able to understand the true value of your current IT systems. Once you have a clear set of arguments to justify your current IT situation, then you will be prepared to justify future investments in IT and IT extension. The paper also discusses some potential strategies for investment protection and enhancement. The enhancement strategies will give some of the pro´s and con´s for the potential actions that you may be called upon to execute. Finally, this paper will help you to prepare for management evaluation of your current situation and future directions