At first, hanging on to old technology for as long as
possible seems like a great way to stretch your IT budget. However, the cost of
doing so is much higher than simply replacing the tech. Continuing to use old hardware
and outdated software can cost your business in productivity, budget and
security.
The Real Cost
There are a few ways that outdated technology is costing
your business. First, old systems move more slowly, causing your team to move more slowly and impacting productivity. These systems can also fail completely, causing
unexpected downtime and putting a major dent in your deliverables.
There's also the risk factor to consider. Outdated software
and hardware are more vulnerable to cyberattacks because they are no longer
being patched to protect against known vulnerabilities. Hackers are able to
exploit these vulnerabilities and access your business's data. That's why it's
so important to update to the latest software or hardware to stay secure.
Because of this latent risk, your business also runs the risk of failing
compliance audits.
How To Know Your Tech Needs Replacing
Here are a few signs it's time to upgrade your technology:
1. Your systems are still running on Windows 10 or older.
Windows 10 is rapidly approaching the end of its life; Microsoft will end support for it in October 2025. This means any new vulnerabilities
will no longer be patched by security updates. Continuing to use Windows 10
past its end-of-life date is a major cybersecurity and compliance risk. To keep
your business protected, start planning your upgrade path now and make the
switch to Windows 11.
2. You frequently call IT for the same tech problems.
Frequent crashes and lagging systems aren't just annoyances;
they're also indicators that your technology is failing. Slow systems, crashes,
frustrated team members, and constant tech support add up - and mean a
significant impact on your productivity.
3. Your existing software isn't compatible with new
tools.
If you're still using legacy software, it may not integrate
with mobile apps or cloud platforms. This limits your ability to adopt new
technologies, serve clients efficientl,y and scale your business.
4. Your devices are slowing down your team.
If your team's computers are taking ages to boot up, freeze, or crash during video calls, they're slowing down your entire workflow. At the end of the day, time is money. Inefficient systems harm both. Devices
more than three to five years old should be audited for performance and energy
efficiency to ensure they aren't having a negative effect on your productivity
and energy consumption.
5. You're relying on outdated security mechanisms.
If your business's firewall or antivirus hasn't been updated
in years, you're taking serious risks with your data. Cyberthreats evolve
quickly; to keep your business safe, your defenses need to evolve too. Outdated
systems are often the first point of entry for ransomware attacks.
If you're worried that upgrading tech will break the bank,
we hear you. But hanging on to slow, outdated systems can cost more in lost
productivity, security gaps, and patchwork fixes. The good news is there are
plenty of affordable, strategic upgrade paths to keep your business running
smoothly without blowing your budget.
You Don't Have To Go It Alone
If you're looking for a knowledgeable team of professionals
to help you navigate the transition to new technology - and alert you when
things are out-of-date - get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE
10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we'll be able to map
out the next steps to take to keep your business secure, productive, and
cost-effective. To schedule, call us at 877-468-1230 or click here.
