IBM i code that meets daily demands may hide secrets that cost millions. Hidden inefficiencies, technical debt, and weak security practices create a drain that few notice until it is too late.
This blog cuts through the clutter to reveal the real price of “good enough” code and introduces a simple strategy to fight back with a smart, subscription model.
What Does “Good Enough” Really Cost You?
The term “good enough” refers to code that meets immediate requirements but falls short of modern standards. Your RPG/COBOL code may pass tests and perform daily tasks; however, it lacks performance and cost efficiency.
Technical debt acts like a slow, invisible tax on your business. Companies typically incur $361,000 of technical debt for every 100,000 lines of code in their software. This debt creates a barrier to future improvements and forces organizations to invest additional resources merely to keep systems functional.
The cost to maintain systems written in RPG, COBOL, and SYNON does not stop at daily operations; it grows year after year until it reaches millions in lost potential. 60–80% of IT budgets often go toward system maintenance, which reduces funds available for innovation.
Every time a workaround replaces a proper solution; it adds a cost that shows up later as higher maintenance fees and longer downtime. Businesses see a steady rise in expenses, yet they may not connect the dots to outdated RPG, COBOL & Synon. The continuous drain on resources prevents the allocation of funds to new projects that could enable growth.
This hidden cost becomes more apparent when companies compare their expenses with those that invest in modern systems. Organizations that take the leap to update their IT infrastructure report lower long-term maintenance costs and better performance. Decision makers who resolve small issues early can sidestep the financial burden that “good enough” code creates over the years.
As per InformationWeek, U.S. companies spend $85 billion every year to maintain bad technology. Legacy code often comes with outdated practices. Systems that rely on such code consume more energy and labor. Even when the code appears to work well, its inefficiency becomes apparent as operational expenses climb steadily.
Can You Risk Outdated Security and Integration Failures?
Traditional IBM i code built on RPG, COBOL, and SYNON does more than inflate maintenance costs—it exposes your business to IBM i security risks. Outdated code can create security gaps that hackers easily exploit.
Weak spots in the system provide an open door for breaches that may lead to financial and reputational damage. Studies confirm that companies with older systems face higher risks of cyber threats due to outdated security protocols.
Integration poses another significant risk. Modern business environments require smooth data exchange between applications and platforms. However, IBM i systems built on RPG, COBOL, or SYNON often fail to connect with new digital tools. The inability to integrate modern applications can leave firms isolated in a fast-paced digital world.
The problem grows further when organizations plan to scale. As businesses expand, the constraints of outdated code become more obvious. Legacy systems force companies to adopt workarounds that slow progress and reduce flexibility. This risk of stagnation may hold a company back in a competitive market where speed and adaptability are essential.
Don’t Let Outdated Code Hold You Back
Traditional IBM i systems do more than tie up budgets—they hold back your company’s potential. Modern languages like Java and PHP create a platform that shifts focus from endless maintenance to strategic growth. This change frees resources that once went into patchwork fixes and redirects them toward new product development, market expansion, and customer experience. Decision makers also gain the power to change direction towards proactive innovation.
Firms that stick with outdated code see recurring expenses that do not contribute to long-term gains. Organizations that modernize see improvements in their cost structure as they replace unpredictable repair costs with steady, manageable investments that boost performance and support growth. Companies that choose modern systems benefit from lower overall expenses and quicker implementation of new capabilities.
When companies shed outdated practices, they also free up time to explore new technologies and business models. Modern systems support better data analysis, faster decision-making, and improved collaboration across departments. This fresh approach creates an environment where every investment drives measurable improvements. Companies that adopt modern IT infrastructure also witness enhanced agility, as every upgraded process translates into opportunities to launch new services and capture market share.
Modern systems also attract top talent as they replace frustrating workarounds with clear, efficient processes. Employees gain confidence when their tools work seamlessly, and leadership gains a competitive edge when modern solutions replace cumbersome legacy systems.
Big-Bang Overhaul Vs. Upgrade on Your Terms
The days of all-or-nothing, disruptive IBM i modernization are over. Today’s businesses need a smarter, more flexible approach. Instead of a massive, one-time overhaul, decision makers now prefer solutions that fit modern financial planning and business agility.
A big-bang IBM i modernization project often means commitment to a high-stakes, high-cost venture. The traditional approach forces companies to invest a huge sum upfront, with little room for adjustment if business needs change. This inflexible method not only strains budgets but also increases the risk of operational downtime. It demands a one-size-fits-all strategy that rarely fits any organization perfectly.
In contrast, a more measured, subscription-based model allows businesses to modernize in phases, addresses critical systems first and expands improvements as results emerge. This approach eliminates the shock of a large, one-time investment and replaces it with manageable, predictable costs.
Modernization as a Service (MaaS) offers a strong alternative to the big-bang method. With MaaS approach, the traditional IBM i code written in RPG, COBOL, and SYNON can be converted into modern languages to enable a consistent and transformative upgrade. Companies gain control over their modernization path.
They set the pace and scope of upgrades to suit their specific needs and budget. Instead of a massive upfront cost, decision makers invest in a fixed monthly fee that transforms legacy code into modern languages like Java, PHP, and more. This flexible model also reduces the risk tied to large-scale IBM i modernization and ensures that each phase aligns with business goals. It allows decision makers to pursue modernization without a loss of operational continuity.
Instead of placing all bets on a single, disruptive project, companies can enjoy the benefits of modern code while managing costs and minimizing risk. This pay-as-you-go model allows organizations to upgrade their IT systems step by step, keep operations stable, and gain the rewards of improved performance, stronger security, and smoother integration.
Upgrade on Your Own Terms with MaaS
“Good enough” may seem harmless—until it quietly chips away at your budget, your agility, and your future. Legacy IBM i code, left unchecked, turns into a financial sinkhole and a roadblock to progress.
But this isn’t a call for reckless disruption. It’s a call for deliberate change—on your terms.
Modernization as a Service replaces uncertainty with clarity. You decide the pace. You set the priorities. And you reclaim control from outdated systems that once dictated your limits.
Join our three-part webinar series—The Modern Way to Modernize IBM i: As a Service. On Your Terms. Over three sessions, you receive clear, step-by-step insights to transform your code, upgrade your database, and reimagine your UI without long-term commitments. Reserve your seat now and discover a smarter, agile path forward.
