I honestly don't see a way out of the mess we are in right now. There were times before where proper decisions by management could have changed the trajectory of this sinking ship, but I think those times are gone for good now.
Am I wrong? Is there a way out of this?
Sssshhhh, don't tell everyone the secret to success at dst.
Naw dog, the only thing papa stone has to do is plug the holes so it doesn't sink too fast. They're going to milk DST cutomers for many years to come. Maybe a competitor will arise in the MF space or an existing provider will level up, but not likely. Health is a bit mre competitive, but conversion costs are astronomical on those systems (ie lock in unless customer is really motivated).
Apparently ssnc has got some motivated employees; but the reality of these legacy black boxes will set in soon enough. My prediction is pain for everyone who has to maintain them. Get yourself into a position of minimal responsibility and build up plausible deniability for missing deadlines and sla's.