AOL recently announced it will shut down its dial-up internet service on September 30, 2025, officially closing the book on one of the internet’s earliest access points. The news may come as a surprise—not because the service is ending, but because it was still in operation at all.

Once a household name, AOL’s dial-up service symbolized the dawn of the internet age. Its iconic startup tones and “You’ve got mail” greeting became cultural touchstones of the 1990s. But while most of the world moved on to high-speed broadband, a small group of users—about 163,000 households as of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau—continued to rely on the slow, screeching connections of dial-up.

AOL’s decision to retire the service wasn’t abrupt. In fact, the company stated that it "routinely evaluates its products and services," suggesting that the writing had been on the wall for some time. This quiet sunsetting of an outdated platform is a timely reminder for today’s businesses and professionals: If AOL is still running dial-up in 2025, what legacy systems might still be running in your business?

From data entry processes and outdated accounting software to legacy communication tools and inefficient client onboarding systems, aging infrastructure can quietly eat away at productivity, cash flow, and even employee morale. While it may feel easier to leave a familiar system in place, the cost of doing nothing can be far higher in the long run.

Consider this: modern internet connections are thousands of times faster than dial-up. That same kind of exponential gain is possible when businesses upgrade their workflow tools, automation platforms, and technology stacks. Whether it’s switching to cloud-based accounting systems, integrating performance dashboards, or rethinking how your team collaborates, timely evaluations lead to smarter decisions.

The end of AOL dial-up follows a broader trend of phasing out outdated digital tools. Microsoft retired Internet Explorer in 2022 and Skype in 2024. AOL's own AIM messaging service was shut down back in 2017. These milestones represent more than nostalgia—they illustrate how rapidly digital infrastructure evolves, and how critical it is for businesses to adapt.

So, ask yourself: When was the last time you reviewed your firm’s technology, workflows, or communication tools? Are there systems in place that exist only because no one has questioned them in a while? In the fast-moving world of business, legacy systems can become invisible barriers to growth. Taking time to evaluate—and update—your tech stack could be the key to unlocking greater efficiency, scalability, and client satisfaction.

At Talley, we understand that technological transitions—whether in communication, operations, or finance—are inevitable. If your business is still relying on legacy systems or outdated processes, now is the time to assess, adapt, and advance. Our team offers strategic consulting and technology-driven accounting solutions to help modernize your operations and position your business for long-term success. Contact us today to explore how we can help future-proof your enterprise.