Integrating Scrum Processes Into SDLC Maintenance and Enhancement Projects

Background

“A legacy system is an information system that is built in the past using technology of that time, and that continues to be used” (Gangadharan et al, 2013). Many institutions are faced with decisions related to decommissioning their existing and still functional legacy systems or of creating process improvements to extend the life of these systems.

The complexity, cost, and time to replace these systems with newer, more modular, approaches can be prohibitive. Gangadharan (2013) suggests “that software characteristics, development methods, dependency of systems, lock-in, system complexity, new technologies and system ownership influence the decision whether to decommission or to maintain a system.” These factors associated with decommissioning a legacy system indicate that identifying improvements in project processes may be a more viable option for many companies. Crotty and Horrocks (2017) indicate that in the financial services industry some estimates put system maintenance as high as 75% of IT budgets. Reducing that cost, while increasing the ability to add additional functionality to existing systems is key to extending the life of legacy systems. In order to accomplish this, the issues related to current processes need to be identified.