Looking at obsolete technology can be a blast from the past. The buggy whip. The quill pen. The phonograph.
While most of these old tools can’t be found outside of a museum, others are brought back for nostalgia. Still play your favorite records? Love to write letters with a fountain pen? Classical tools are often considered an art form.
Yet some things should never come back into play. That old software program you’re still using. The old computer sitting on your desk. The first generation app you’ve never patched. While you might be nostalgic for how simple things used to operate, sticking with old technology puts you at risk.
A study out of the UK shows that the average office worker wastes at least 24 days a year dealing with slow or outdated hardware and software. That can be a serious hit to productivity, as well as leave gaping holes ready for hackers to penetrate.
Time and money are only two of the things being lost to outdated technology. If a team member has to sit and wait for technology to keep up with their pace, it can also impact morale. When employees have to stay late to finish the job, it can lower happiness levels and decrease their desire to stick with it over time.
As a leader, you’re under constant pressure to take action on what’s most important. It’s an ebb and flow between budget restraints and creating an environment that works. Where should you invest to ensure your office stays efficient? What’s the best use of your dollars to further enhance growth?
Advertising or new equipment?
Upgrades or new technology?
It can be a difficult choice.
But keep in mind that outdated technology equals productivity declines.
All equipment has an effective useful life. After a certain number of years, technology becomes outdated. Machines get slower and slower. There are only so many ways to upgrade and patch before downtime takes its toll.
Older machines may also lack the necessary memory and processing speed to keep up with the latest technology. You can install new releases, say “yes” to patches. But if the machine can’t handle the latest release, there’s nothing more it can do. This is where your biggest problems arise.
Let’s say you’ve decided to upgrade your internet bandwidth because it’s become slow, bogged down. With a simple switch, your internet provider can upgrade you, even offer you a better payment plan with better service.
But will it do you any good? Not if you have old network equipment that can’t keep up with the pace. Your routers, firewalls, and other wireless technology simply aren't up for the job. No amount of speed will make it work better.
Where do you stand? Does your IT department have a plan for all that?
Or do you have questions about your next step? We’re here to help.
For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.
