Fed Gov Today Legacy Code, Missing Plans, and the AI Surge Shaking Federal IT
Jul 27, 2025
Join Kevin Walsh, the Director of IT and Cybersecurity at GAO, and Jonathan Albums, the Federal CTO at ServiceNow, as they tackle the challenges of modernizing outdated IT systems in the federal government. They discuss the urgent need for clear modernization plans to enhance efficiency and cybersecurity. The duo dives into establishing governance for AI within federal agencies, emphasizing the importance of employee empowerment and stakeholder engagement. They also address innovative strategies for combating government fraud and improving identity verification processes. Tune in for insights that could reshape federal IT!
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Legacy Systems Lack Modernization Plans
- Only about a quarter of the biggest legacy IT systems in government have modernization plans.
- Agencies must plan to replace old systems fully, including shutting down the legacy ones to avoid dual operation costs.
Modernization Plan Basics
- Agencies should have modernization plans with basic elements: planned work, milestones, and old system shutdown.
- Without these, modernization efforts risk prolonging dependency on outdated, vulnerable legacy systems.
Persistent Legacy Modernization Challenges
- Legacy system modernization is a persistent, long-term challenge in government.
- Systems often operate on unsupported hardware/software, increasing risk and maintenance costs.