What characteristic distinguishes legacy systems from newer systems?

The characteristic that distinguishes legacy systems from newer systems is primarily their age and compatibility. Legacy systems are typically older technologies that were developed many years ago and often represent foundational software architectures that organizations have built around. These systems may struggle with compatibility in today's technology landscape, as they were designed prior to the advancements in modern computing, such as cloud computing, mobile access, and integration with new software solutions.

Legacy systems often operate on outdated hardware or software platforms, which can lead to integration challenges with newer technologies. The age of these systems can also make maintenance more complex and costly, as specialized knowledge might be required. Additionally, the limited capability to adapt to current standards and requirements often forces organizations to invest in extensive adaptation strategies when they attempt to connect or migrate to more contemporary systems.

This contrasts with other characteristics such as cost efficiency, modern capabilities, and user-friendliness, which do not inherently define legacy systems. Cost efficiency can vary greatly depending on the specific legacy system's maintenance and operational costs. Modern capabilities are generally absent in legacy systems, as they do not support the latest functionalities that newer systems offer. User-friendliness also tends to be lacking in legacy systems, but the primary distinguishing feature is their age and the associated compatibility issues.