Why Software Migrations Fail: It's Not The Code
DevOps.com, Monday, June 30th, 2025
Engineers often overlook the human and organizational dimensions of software migrations. They typically perceive these projects as technical undertakings, but institutional knowledge, communication gaps, team morale and resistance to change can significantly influence timelines and outcomes.
Examining common pitfalls, effective strategies and emerging trends reveals a comprehensive view of the migration process from a human-centered perspective.
Recent research continues to validate that delays in software migration are the rule rather than the exception. In a 2023 McKinsey & Company report, over 70% of large-scale digital transformations fell short of timeline or return on investment (ROI) expectations, with a lack of cross-functional alignment and insufficient change management cited as leading causes. Similarly, a 2024 Boston Consulting Group survey revealed that nearly half of global C-suite executives reported that over 30% of their organization's technology development projects suffered delays or budget overruns.