4. Conclusion

Obsolescence is a social phenomenon that is accelerating with technological progress, and gaining in importance. It affects products, knowledge and know-how. It manifests itself in a wide variety of sectors. Its impact on industry, the economy, the environment and society can be significant, even critical. Today, it is strategic to be able to foresee the occurrence of obsolescence as early as possible, so as to be able to anticipate its treatment as effectively as possible, and prevent or at least limit its impact.

This article focuses on the obsolescence of computer systems and software. After putting the subject back into perspective in relation to the wider problem of technical system obsolescence, the article goes on to characterize, illustrate and highlight the risks and impacts of obsolescence in computer systems and software. For each of these systems, it...