Study shows: German companies rely on outdated systems

A new study on IT infrastructure in German companies has revealed alarming results. According to the Slalom study from August 2025, 61 percent of the surveyed companies primarily operate their most important business applications on outdated platforms. This finding raises questions about the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the affected companies.

The study highlights not only the technical dimension of the problem but also the conceptual challenges associated with using outdated systems. Sören Pareigis, GoTo Manager, emphasizes that equating inertia with security can lead to a structural weakness. Companies that do not actively engage in modernizing their IT infrastructure risk falling behind in the competition.

Technological Backlogs and Their Consequences

The dependence on outdated platforms can have significant impacts on the efficiency and flexibility of companies. Many organizations are constrained by legacy systems that no longer meet current market demands. This can lead to longer response times to market changes and reduced innovation capability.

Another aspect addressed in the study is security. Outdated systems are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks, as they are no longer regularly provided with security updates. This poses a significant risk to data integrity and the protection of sensitive information.

The study also shows that many companies are aware of the issue but often hesitate to make necessary changes. Reasons for this are often the high costs of modernizing IT infrastructure and the fear of potential operational disruptions during the transition process.

Strategies for Modernization

To meet the challenges of digitalization, companies must develop strategies that allow for a gradual modernization of their systems. This could include, for example, a phased migration to cloud-based solutions or the implementation of agile working methods. Such approaches could help reduce dependence on outdated platforms and enhance innovation capacity.

The Slalom study makes it clear that it is not only about technical upgrades but also about a cultural change within organizations. Leaders must create awareness of the necessity of digitalization and actively involve their employees in the change process. Only in this way can a sustainable transformation succeed.

The results of the study are a wake-up call for many companies that want to assert themselves in a rapidly changing market. The need to break away from outdated systems is becoming increasingly urgent to ensure competitiveness. The study has shown that the need for action is great, and companies must now take active steps.