The clock is ticking: why it’s time to say goodbye to on-prem software

If you’re still juggling weekend updates, chasing expired licences, or fielding calls about a downed server - this one’s for you. While on-premises systems once served a purpose, in 2025 they’re expensive to maintain, hard to scale and increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.

Still relying on legacy software? Now is the time to rethink your strategy, before you’re forced to. Waiting for the ‘perfect time’ might just be the costliest move of all.

On-prem software: once essential, now holding you back

Legacy systems were built for a different era which means the cracks are starting to show. Here’s what we’re hearing from businesses still managing on-prem infrastructure:

• “Updates are painful and always seem to happen at the worst time.”
• “We don’t have the internal IT resources to keep up.”
• “Security keeps us up at night.”
• “We just can’t move fast enough.”

These aren’t isolated complaints, rather they’re signals that on-premises systems are no longer fit for purpose.

The hidden cost of staying put

     1. Manual updates and upgrades

Managing patches, upgrades, and system maintenance manually take up valuable time whilst also creating unnecessary risk. Businesses running legacy on-prem systems like HR3 often rely on outdated SQL Server versions (e.g. 2012 or 2014) that are no longer supported by Microsoft. As a result, IT teams end up firefighting instead of focusing on strategy.

    2. Unplanned downtime

Whether it’s for maintenance or an unexpected outage, downtime disrupts operations, reduces productivity and impacts customer experience.

    3. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Legacy systems often lag behind on security updates - making them a growing target for cybercrime. As threats evolve, your defences can’t afford to stand still.

    4. Scalability and Speed

Expanding to new locations? Supporting hybrid teams? With on-prem, scaling is slow, expensive, and complex, requiring additional physical infrastructure.

    5. Poor user experience

Outdated systems slow your people down - with clunky interfaces, limited access and  slow workflows that hurt adoption and efficiency. Your people and your business deserve more. 

    6. Lack of internal IT support

Not every business has a dedicated in-house IT team. And when something goes wrong, relying on external vendors can mean expensive delays.

Why the cloud makes business better

Migrating to the cloud eliminates this burden. With ReadyTech-hosted HR3 Cloud, we manage your SQL environment, including patching, upgrades and security, so you don’t have to.

Migrating to the cloud might feel like a big shift, but that doesn’t mean it has to be disruptive. More than that, upgrading to a cloud platform unlocks a smarter and more resilient way of working.

• No more manual updates: Software updates happen automatically without disrupting your day
• High availability and uptime: Cloud solutions offer service level guarantees that reduce the risk of downtime
• Enterprise-grade security: Regular security patches and encryptions mean maintained compliance with industry standards
• Work anywhere, any time: Offers real-time access across teams, sites and devices - ideal for hybrid and mobile workforces
• Easy scalability: Whether you grow or adapt, the cloud flexes with you
• Built-in integration: Cloud systems connect seamlessly with other segments of the ecosystem

The real-world impact: saving time, money and stress

Moving to the cloud cuts IT costs by removing the need for hardware, maintenance, and manual updates. Staff benefit from faster, more reliable systems, while built-in security and compliance provide peace of mind. Best of all, your team can focus less on fixing tech issues and more on driving your business forward.

What cloud migration actually looks like

Migrating to the cloud might feel daunting - but it doesn’t have to be. At ReadyTech, we’ve helped hundreds of customers make the move with minimal disruption and maximum support.

Here's what you can expect:

• Tailored onboarding: We customise the plan to your business needs
• Step-by-step planning: From data migration to user training, we guide every stage
• Hybrid rollout options: We support parallel environments so you can move at your pace
• Change management tools: We help your team adapt quickly and confidently
• Seamless experience: In most cases, users won’t even notice the transition -except that everything works better

Why is now the time to act?

Delaying migration might feel safe but it’s important to the potential risks of outdated systems. 

• Cyber threats are escalating - legacy systems are a prime target
• Compliance standards are tightening - falling behind could cost more than money
• End-of-life is approaching - many on-prem systems will soon lose support
• Every delay costs you - in lost productivity, missed opportunities and growing IT overheads

What’s next?

Start by reviewing your current setup and pinpointing the pain points.

Ready to break free from outdated systems?  Talk to ReadyTech about your migration options today.