What is a common challenge faced with legacy applications?

Legacy applications often present maintenance and integration difficulties due to outdated technology, design, and dependencies that may no longer align with current systems and processes. As organizations evolve, these older applications can create challenges in terms of compatibility with modern platforms and tools. Maintaining legacy software can require specialized knowledge that may not be widely available, leading to potential bottlenecks in updates or modifications.

Furthermore, integration with newer applications or systems often necessitates additional effort and resources. This can manifest in the form of complex workarounds or the need for middleware to facilitate communication between legacy and modern systems. As technology progresses, the disparities in architecture and methodologies can further complicate the ability to maintain and leverage these applications effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the common characteristics of legacy systems. For instance, while some legacy applications may be seen as cost-effective initially, they often incur higher total costs over time due to maintenance challenges. Additionally, they are typically not fully compatible with current technologies, which is a major contributor to the difficulties faced. Performance metrics can also vary widely, and it's not guaranteed that legacy systems outperform newer applications.