After 16 Years, 'Interim' CTO Finally Eradicating Fujitsu and Horizon From the UK's Post Office

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by EditorDavid

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The UK's Post Office is finally taking steps to replace Fujitsu's Horizon system, a decades-old software platform notorious for its errors and linked to the suicides of 13 people in a public inquiry. Paul Anastassi, the interim CTO leading the project, has outlined plans to remove every trace of Horizon by 2030. This marks the end of a long-standing issue that began over 30 years ago and has caused significant problems for Post Office branches. The Horizon system consists of more than 80 components, half managed by Fujitsu and the rest internal or third-party systems. Anastassi's plan includes introducing a modern front-end that is device-agnostic, aiming to eliminate the need for specific hardware setups in branches. This shift will bring greater flexibility and efficiency to Post Office operations. Previous attempts to replace Horizon have failed, including an aborted project with IBM in 2015 and the later New Branch IT (NBIT) initiative. These efforts collapsed due to complexity and challenges, leaving the Post Office reliant on Fujitsu until now. Anastassi's experience and leadership are expected to deliver a more successful outcome, with potential cost savings highlighted as a key benefit. The project is gaining momentum, with new contracts set to be signed by summer 2025. These agreements will signal the beginning of the end for Fujitsu's involvement and Horizon's legacy system. By replacing Horizon, the Post Office aims to resolve long-standing issues and improve its IT infrastructure. This move not only addresses past failures but also positions the organization for a more efficient and modern future. The transition is crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring reliable operations in Post Office branches. This effort matters significantly to tech readers as it demonstrates how legacy systems can be successfully replaced, even after years of challenges. It highlights the importance of strategic planning, expertise, and adaptability in large-scale IT projects. The Post Office's initiative also underscores the need for transparency and accountability when addressing systemic issues in technology deployment. For those interested in tech management, this story offers valuable insights into overcoming complex technical and organizational hurdles.

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/22/2026