The Imperative of Modernising Legacy Systems for Parliamentary Data Strategy
Written on June, 2022
Introduction
Legacy systems—those computing systems and applications that have been in operation for many years—are often deeply integrated into an organisation's procedures and functions. Despite their reliability and established workflows, these systems pose a significant challenge to innovation and adaptability, particularly in legislative operations. The present analysis delves into the complexities of dealing with legacy systems in the context of evolving data strategies within parliamentary structures.
Dimensions of Data in Legislative Operations
Data in legislative bodies is multifaceted. It comprises not only the production of data but also its migration, format standards, and openness. Various speakers have articulated the importance of aspects such as data quality, validation, and protection. Despite this, many organisations, including legislative bodies, do not possess a formal data strategy. The lack of a coherent data strategy is not merely an oversight but a considerable gap, especially considering the role data plays in modern governance.
Legacy Systems
One of the most intriguing aspects is the paradox that legacy systems represent. On the one hand, their longevity is a testament to their reliability. For instance, electronic voting systems that were put in place years ago continue to function and are even compatible with newer operating systems, thereby obviating the need for costly upgrades.
However, the reliance on older technology is not without its pitfalls. Software providers often cease support for outdated systems, leaving organisations vulnerable to security risks. There's also the issue of compatibility; although some old systems may work with new operating systems, they have not been tested on the most recent ones, leaving a veil of uncertainty.
The Path to Strategy Formulation
While formal data strategies might be lacking, there are often informal practices that could be considered the germs of a strategy. The key is to formalise these elements into a coherent plan. This may involve dedicated resources to look at data holistically, from current management practices to future-oriented databases. There is also a trend towards following national guidelines on data strategy and cybersecurity, which can serve as a baseline for developing an organisation-specific strategy.
Collaboration is a crucial component of this evolution. Legislative bodies are increasingly working with other government departments and agencies to integrate data. This trend also extends to creating open data strategies, aimed at making data available in machine-readable formats like Excel or JSON, and through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
The Role of Incremental Change
When considering modernisation, a 'big bang' approach is not always the most effective. Instead, incremental changes, aligned with a broader vision, can often yield more sustainable results. For instance, one could begin by transitioning from HTML-based data presentation to more dynamic, database-driven platforms. Such steps pave the way for future advancements, like offering data through APIs, which makes it easier for the public and other stakeholders to access and utilise the data.
Conclusion
The absence of a formal data strategy in many legislative bodies, coupled with the reliance on legacy systems, presents a complex challenge that calls for nuanced solutions. While legacy systems have their merits, their limitations become increasingly glaring as the demand for more dynamic and integrated data strategies grows. It is essential for legislative organisations to evolve by developing formal data strategies, modernising legacy systems incrementally, and fostering collaborations. These are not mere options but imperatives for ensuring that parliaments remain effective and transparent in an increasingly digital world.