---
title: "Respect Legacy Systems' History"
source: "https://virtualddd.com/heuristics/respect-legacy-systems-history/"
authors: ["Michael Plöd", "Beija Nigl", "Kenny Schwegler", "Andrea Magnorsky", "Andrew Harmel-Law"]
tags: ["legacy modernisation", "legacy", "facilitating software architecture and design", "sociotechnical systems"]
type: "guiding heuristics"
question: "How should one approach existing legacy systems during modernization efforts?"
submitter: "Michael Plöd"
---

# Respect Legacy Systems' History

Assume legacy systems were successful in their original context and built with good intentions. This fosters respect and helps uncover underlying value, rather than dismissing them outright. Recognize that their past success often funded current initiatives.

## Examples

Instead of labeling an old system as 'crap,' acknowledge it likely generated significant revenue, enabling the company to exist and pay for current modernization efforts.