100-year software: The rise of timeless tech

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• July 5, 2024

Insight summary

The 100-year software concept challenges the fleeting nature of current digital tools by aiming for durability and relevance across generations. By focusing on a community-driven approach to development, programming languages are moving towards sustainability and the lasting value of digital content. This shift promises to reshape how individuals create and maintain digital assets and how businesses and governments strategize to serve future generations effectively.

100-year software context

In a status quo where software life cycles often span only a few years before becoming obsolete, the concept of a 100-year programming language presents a fascinating disruption. Such a language seeks to maintain relevance and usability through generations of developers and technological advancements. This audacious goal underlines a shift towards sustainability in software development, prioritizing long-term utility and stability over novelty. Projects like the Hare programming language adopt a conservative approach to design, aiming for a balance of simplicity, elegance, and robustness that could endure for decades.

Historical evidence suggests that languages that foster a continuous programming community rather than merely focusing on syntax or features have a better chance of enduring. For instance, Fortran's sustained popularity in scientific and mathematical computing, due to its performance, underscores the role of a dedicated user base in driving a language's evolution. Similarly, the Perl and Lisp languages have shown adaptability, maintaining relevance through community-driven development and adaptation to new paradigms. 

Meanwhile, in 2023, the content management system WordPress introduced a 100-year domain and website hosting plan. This offering, priced at USD $38,000, includes multiple backups across geographically distributed data centers, enhanced ownership protocols, and top-tier managed hosting, aiming to address the future needs of those who wish to maintain a persistent online presence. WordPress's initiative mirrors a broader industry shift towards enduring technological solutions underpinned by the belief in the enduring value of digital assets.

Disruptive impact

As software becomes capable of lasting a century, people may start to view their online creations and digital footprints as long-term assets, akin to physical property that can be inherited. This perspective shift could encourage more thoughtful creation and curation of digital content, knowing it could remain accessible and functional for future generations. However, there might be concerns about data privacy and security over such an extended period, especially as technological landscapes and standards evolve.

Companies might need to adjust their strategies to incorporate long-term software maintenance and legacy system integration. This shift could lead to increased initial investments in software development but promise lower costs over time due to reduced need for frequent updates or migrations. Businesses could also see this as an opportunity to build enduring customer relationships through the reliability and consistency of their digital platforms. Nonetheless, companies may face challenges in adapting to new market trends and technologies without compromising the stability of their long-standing systems.

Governments could leverage 100-year software to ensure the longevity of public digital infrastructures, enhancing civic engagement and streamlining services for decades. This approach could improve public trust in digital government initiatives by providing stable, reliable access to essential services. Furthermore, it may prompt international collaboration on standards and best practices for digital preservation, fostering a more resilient global digital ecosystem. However, governments would need to navigate the complexities of updating regulations and policies to keep pace with technological changes while maintaining the integrity of these enduring software systems.

Implications of 100-year software

Wider implications of 100-year software may include: 

• The preservation of digital assets for future generations, enhancing the continuity of cultural and historical knowledge.


• An increase in the demand for cybersecurity experts to protect long-lasting software systems, leading to job growth in the IT security sector.


• New educational curricula focusing on long-term software maintenance and legacy system management.


• Businesses adopting more sustainable models by investing in durable software, reducing the environmental impact of frequent technology updates.


• Consumers becoming more discerning in their digital subscriptions, favoring platforms promising long-term accessibility and reliability.


• A shift in software development practices towards more cautious and thorough testing, prioritizing stability and compatibility over speed.


• Legal and regulatory frameworks evolving to address the complexities of copyright, data ownership, and privacy over extended periods.


• New industries and services dedicated to digital estate planning, helping individuals manage their long-term online presence.


• An increase in cross-generational digital projects, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer between older and younger generations.

Questions to consider

• How could the concept of 100-year software change your approach to creating and sharing digital content?


• How might long-term digital assets impact your family's history and legacy planning?