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The right time to update technology can vary among organizations. Business office hardware is often thought to have a typical lifespan of 5-10 years. However, to ensure maximum employee productivity and optimum network security, that timeline may need to tighten up. Such a decision could also be influenced by your business’s industry and security needs.
Businesses have many reasons to update their day-to-day technology. Maybe it’s for cost savings or switching over to an automated process. Perhaps one operating system is preferable to another.
But the biggest concern, ultimately, is data. Your technology is the gateway to your data – and data is the heartbeat of any business. That’s why keeping your data safe, your technology up and running and your employees productive are crucial elements in order for any business to thrive.
The exact timing for switching to the latest technology depends on the needs of your business. But many considerations are true across the board. Here are some to keep in mind as you analyze the business technology needs of your organization and determine when the time will be right to upgrade.
Related Reading: Top 10 List of Cybersecurity Facts
Cybersecurity Updates
Hackers are always out there threatening to strike, so you need to proactively update your cybersecurity software frequently. That sounds easy enough, but it may be more complicated if your hardware is obsolete and unable to support security updates.
If you can’t install the latest updates, your outdated technology is already vulnerable to known cyberattacks. Don’t risk it; update your endpoint detection and response (EDR) or antivirus software before this becomes a problem. You’ll be better prepared to ward off potential cyberattacks. There isn’t a specific timeframe here, so just remember to stay current.
Network or Machine Downtime
Whether your entire network or a single machine isn’t working, your business could be losing money. A 2014 Gartner report showed that network operational downtime could, on average, cost a business $5,600 per minute. That’s a significant operational cost you don’t want to face.
While occasional network downtime or machine breakdowns may happen, they can also be indicators that larger downtime problems are on the way. Is there a root cause somewhere in the mix? Could a business process you follow be outdated and causing issues?
Be proactive and eliminate as much risk as you can. Downtime is expensive for your business, and it can increase stress and headaches for your employees.
Employee Productivity
If your aging technology is keeping your employees from doing their jobs, it’s time for a business technology upgrade. While employee productivity is negatively affected by network or machine downtime, employee morale can decline, too.
Take a closer look at your Help Desk tickets and the reasons employees need assistance. If the speed, flexibility or uptime of your technology is decreasing, this could be an indication that it’s time for a technology upgrade.
Free up as much memory as you can throughout your systems. Clear out the cache and other junk files, and get rid of applications that aren’t in use. Every little bit of additional memory helps keep operations moving along efficiently.
In addition, consider employee satisfaction and the morale of your staff as a whole. If your employees are consistently dealing with network glitches or slow software access, you could be risking losing them out of frustration.
Compatibility Issues
If you’re making a change in one area, such as hardware, you may need to make additional adjustments. Any existing software or other technologies you have might no longer work. This is especially true if you’re moving from Apple to Windows or vice versa.
When it’s time to upgrade in any area, be sure to take every aspect of the technology into account. That way, you won’t be saddled with incompatible applications or software after the switch.
Growth and Expansion
Your technology may fit your company today, but what about tomorrow? While it’s possible to forecast potential organizational growth and expansion, there are always uncertainties.
There are also risks no one can predict. A few years ago, most businesses didn’t have a plan in place on how to conduct business during a pandemic. Businesses with updated technology such as corporate laptops, cloud computing platforms, BYOD policies and unified communications systems were poised to thrive as many workers were sent to work from home. Even in the post-pandemic world, remote or hybrid working is common.
How to Stay on Top of Technology
Staying ahead of the technology curve is key for any business, so it’s important to have a technology strategy in place. Technology should work for you, not against you.
One way to make that happen in today’s climate is using virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). It’s an essential tool for any workplace implementing remote or hybrid workforces. Leverage our knowledge by clicking the link below to download your free eBook, Advancements in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Technology, and learn the benefits of implementing a virtual desktop infrastructure from Microsoft Azure and Elevity.
