Some businesses learn the hard way that outdated, unmanaged technology can cause major interruptions and security issues. Technology evolves so rapidly that it can be hard to determine when it’s time to make necessary upgrades – especially if you don’t have a technology lifecycle management strategy in place.
Don’t wait for a catastrophic disruption to update your technology. There are a few red flags that signal it’s time for an upgrade.
- Your systems are slow to respond. Nothing creates employee frustration like waiting for a slow system to respond. There are a number of reasons this could happen, which range from unpatched software to faulty servers to a sub-par internet connection.
- You’re experiencing an increase in cyber-attack attempts. When cyber criminals are targeting your systems more and more frequently, there’s most likely a vulnerability that’s painting you as an easy target. To avoid a disastrous security breach, it’s time to look at updating your technology.
- Productivity is down. Your workers can’t get as much done – and your customers are noticing. When your technology is slowing down your ability to respond promptly and effectively to customer requests, it’s time to take a look at the technologies you have in place.
If you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s time to evaluate your current technologies and update them as needed – before a serious security incident or significant downtime has a chance to occur.
How Often Should You Update Your Technology?
Though it would be nice if there was, there is no hard and fast rule for when you should upgrade your technology. Eventually, though, you will outgrow your equipment, applications, voice service, internet connectivity…you get the idea. The key is to pay attention to the warning signs and act on them in a timely manner.
For this purpose, businesses often rely on technology lifecycle management. This involves identifying vulnerable areas and creating a more reliable, secure environment by planning for all stages from deployment through operation and expiration. This will help you keep your IT aligned with the demands of your growing business – and ensure you’re not caught off-guard by a failed business process.
Updating technology isn’t free – but it’s far less costly than a catastrophic incident. One way to find room in the budget for necessary upgrades is through an audit with PAG. We’ll complete a comprehensive inventory of your existing systems, comb through your telecom invoices, and find areas where you’re spending when you could be saving. The savings you find through an audit can be applied toward the technology updates you need to keep your business running smoothly – or to pay for unexpected updates when equipment failures happen.
If you’re ready to find savings that can be repurposed to invest in the technologies you need, contact PAG today.
