“Windows 95 would be an upgrade” the state of technology in US aviation and the danger of outdated technology in your business

As a technology provider it’s a red flag for us when we see clients holding onto older technologies, even computers with Windows 7 in 2025 can pose a significant security risk and in general are ticking time bombs waiting to go kaput spontaneously in the middle of a busy work day. Nothing in life lasts forever and this is especially true with business computer hardware that’s been put through it’s paces with our day in and day out workloads.

Against all odd, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has held onto older tech – including computers still running Windows 95 or even Windows 3.1 and floppy disks still floating around the office containing pertinent information.

This has come to the forefront of news cycles as we have seen instances of the devastating consequences of air traffic control issues gone awry, including the helicopter crash that occurred in Hoboken, NJ earlier this year that has now prompted the city to sue the FAA.

The Government Accountability Office also noted recently that the platforms used to manage air traffic control were “unsustainable” or “potentially unsustainable”. Not only because the systems used feature aging hardware well past its prime, but also because the employees who know how to use it are retiring and much the knowledge of how to get these systems to perform adequately despite their age is leaving with them.

We can’t say whether the current status of the FAA and the scrutiny they’re facing is entirely due aging technology systems, but it does introduce an element of doubt in the public perception when a system intended to manage the (on average) 45,000 flights per day hasn’t been keeping up with significant advancements in technology since the 90’s.

Doubt is never something you want to encourage in your customers mindset, so even for clients who’s day to day operations involve something significantly less life-or-death than keeping our planes in the air, keeping up with the latest advancements in technology is still important.

Here are four risks to keeping older technology in your business:

1. Security Vulnerabilities
   Legacy systems often lack current security patches, making them prime targets for cyberattacks, data breaches, and malware infections.
2. Reduced Productivity
   Old hardware and software can be slow, incompatible with modern tools, and prone to crashes—leading to employee frustration and workflow disruptions.
3. Higher Maintenance Costs
   Outdated systems often require more frequent repairs and custom support, increasing IT expenses and downtime.
4. Lack of Compliance
   Older technology may not meet current industry or regulatory compliance standards, putting the business at legal and financial risk.

Ready to address the outdated technology in your business? Valley Techlogic can help you every step of the way – from procurement to deployment. Learn more today with a consultation.

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