Does Your Business Need an IT Infrastructure Upgrade?
“If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” is a commonly accepted adage, but is that always the case for your IT infrastructure? Just because your computers, networks, security systems, and the rest of your IT infrastructure is operational doesn’t mean it is efficient or secure. Your information technology supports most aspects of your business, and if there are inefficiencies or vulnerabilities, that can translate to needlessly lost money and security issues. Keep reading to find out why should you upgrade your business’ IT infrastructure and when.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Company’s IT Infrastructure?
Hesitation about upgrading your IT infrastructure is perfectly understandable. It still works, doesn’t it? Why spend money where you don’t have to? The reality is that by leaving obsolete equipment, operating systems, and network infrastructure running, you are not taking advantage of newer, more efficient, and more secure information technology. Plus, your IT professionals likely spend more time taking care of security and efficiency issues when they could be working on other business-critical tasks.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Upgrade My Company’s IT Infrastructure?
There are a number of tell-tale signs that it’s time to upgrade your IT infrastructure, including:
- Computers needing repairs and patches more frequently or that keep crashing
- Climbing energy bills due to inefficient hardware
- Applications running slower than usual or optimal
- Inconsistent IT systems (everyone is working with different hardware)
- Software has passed its end-date (meaning no more patches and updates will be released for it)
- Using multiple programs for relatively simple tasks
- Running out of storage space
- Security breaches
- Insufficient bandwidth
If you are noticing more than one of these signs in your company’s IT infrastructure, it may be time to upgrade.
What Are the Benefits of Upgrading your Network and IT Infrastructure?
Potential Cost Reduction
Having to pay for repairs and virus removal on a regular basis can add up quickly, especially on older models where parts and software may be obsolete, no longer patched, or no longer produced. Plus, you may be paying too much for using multiple security and network features that could be consolidated in newer equipment. Even better, newer equipment may be more electricity efficient, so upgrades could lower your energy bills, as well.
Better Security
Cyber attackers are constantly updating their methods of attack, and older hardware and software don’t take these new methods into account when protecting your business’ critical files. Part of the reason that new hardware and operating systems are developed is to keep up with and get ahead of the trends in cyber security. Without these new security measures, you are leaving your company’s data vulnerable to attack.
Higher Levels of Efficiency, Reliability, and Productivity
When it takes multiple programs to complete a relatively simple task or your applications are running slowly because of outdated systems, your employees cannot be operating at their best. Productivity could be much higher, yet it isn’t due to the slower systems, making your work environment inefficient. With updated systems, your applications will run more smoothly and boost your productivity without shutting down or freezing constantly. As a result, your company will be doing more in less time, which can be a boon to your bottom line.
Consistency
When all of the systems in your company are running on the same hardware and basic software, your IT department has far fewer headaches when trying to keep everything running smoothly. This usually leads to less wasted time, quicker fixes, and an overall productive work environment.
What Do You Do When It’s Time To Upgrade?
Evaluate your options thoroughly, including your budget, what’s slowing you down the most, etc. You don’t have to do your entire upgrade all at once (though it may save you more money in the long run, it’s understandable if it is not feasible outright). If you have hardware that still is under warranty, you may be able to save money on your upgrades by contacting the manufacturer to see if they will fix or replace the equipment in question. Otherwise, you’ll need to take a systematic, carefully planned approach to your business IT infrastructure upgrade.
If you’re not sure where to begin, or if you are overwhelmed, you may want to call the experts. At Customer 1st Communications, we have knowledgeable professionals with experience in virtually all facets of IT infrastructure, from data centers, cabling, and network design to cloud computing and VoIP. Learn more about our services, and get a free consultation by calling 855-TECH-C1C (855-832-4212) or contact us online. We’ll help you get your IT infrastructure upgrade done within your timeframe and your budget!