How often should a business upgrade their technology?

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Investing in new technology can be expensive, however not investing could be costing businesses more money in the long run.

The old adages ‘nothing lasts forever’ and ‘all good things come to an end’ can be applied to technology. At some point IT stops being fit for purpose, hardware may fail, and software becomes outdated. IT should work for a business not against it.

What are the warning signs that your technology needs invested in and upgraded?

Performance

As it gets older, hardware slows down. Over time as software is upgraded or more software is installed, performance decreases. Many businesses hold onto IT equipment long after the warranty or care pack expires.
- PCs and laptops that are slowing down. Frequent software crashes, sluggish internet browsing.
Increased Operating Costs

One of the best ways to reduce IT operating costs is to reduce the use of outdated software and hardware which likely requires more resources to maintain.
- An increase in the number of calls to IT support to get back working. Technology that is failing not only reduces employee productivity but costs you in downtime.
Frustrated Employees

Technology is great – when it works. If a business’ IT solutions are not helping employees to do their job, it’s restricting and reducing their productivity.
- Employees complaining about systems and hardware. It may be that shortcuts are being implemented or working around company procedures are being done in order to complete tasks.
Security Risk

A key reason to invest in new IT technology for any business is to achieve cybersecurity certification. There is an increased security risk when running older systems. Ageing technology is more vulnerable to attack when hardware, firmware or operating systems stop being supported.
- Hardware and software stops being able to support upgrades. Older computers are unlikely to support newer operating systems and leave businesses open to the latest security threats.
David Allen IT Solutions can assist businesses with IT strategy, helping to plan an IT roadmap so that the cost of hardware and software upgrades are budgeted for. Contact us for further information.

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