The tech landscape evolves at a rapid pace. You hear about newer hardware and software systems all the time, each more sophisticated and capable than the last. This also means that existing tech fades into obsolescence faster. And that’s a big problem for tech-reliant businesses.
It’s a problem because running old IT systems can be risky. And given how quickly tech advances nowadays, some businesses may not even realize their IT is outdated.
This article sheds light on the dangers of running old IT systems and how to keep up with emerging tech curves. But let’s start with the telltale signs of ageing IT.
Signs Your IT Needs Upgrading
An outdated system is a piece of hardware or software application that hasn’t been updated for a long time or is outright obsolete. It is basically an asset that has fallen behind the times or reached its end-of-life. These are sometimes called legacy IT systems.
IT obsolescence is not always obvious. Old systems sometimes work just fine. But sooner or later, their age starts to show in noticeable ways, such as:
- Slow speed and poor performance
- Frequent breakdowns
- Instability or unpredictable behaviour
- Compatibility issues with modern tech
- Cumbersome procedures
The Dangers of Using Outdated Hardware and Software
Running legacy devices and applications is not always a good idea. They may be riddled with insoluble issues that pose serious dangers to your business, such as:
Increased Security Risks
Outdated technology is more likely to harbour exploitable security vulnerabilities. Newer versions of software applications, for example, come with more robust security features. Vendors also continuously release patches and fixes to update the security posture of their supported systems. That doesn’t happen with old tech.
In 2023, 14% of all breaches targeted unpatched system vulnerabilities. Zero-day exploits are on the rise, and old, outdated systems are the prime targets for these attacks.
Hindered Modernization
Legacy tech stands in the way of digital transformation. Most old systems are stubbornly inflexible and incompatible with newer technologies. So, they can’t be modified or retrofitted to improve performance or support modern digital processes.
Refusing to let go of that old server or network infrastructure could be holding your IT back. You can’t modernize your business without first addressing legacy tech.
Compromised Digital Performance
Today’s computers are magnitudes of times faster than computers from a decade ago. Newer tech is always better in terms of performance and efficiency.
Slow legacy systems rob your business of valuable time. They may also take up more resources (power, human input, space, etc.) to keep going. So, old IT costs more to run, and you get much less out of it.
Unproductive User Experience
Clunky systems are often difficult and frustrating to use. In the workplace setting, this results in delays and low employee morale.
A study conducted in the UK found that the average employee loses 46 minutes every day waiting around for or fiddling with outdated tech. This not only translates into monetary losses but also poor productivity and workplace experience.
Reliability Issues
Old tech breaks down more frequently since there’s just a lot that can go wrong. Unplanned IT outages are painfully costly. On average, SMBs lose between $10,000 and $50,000 per hour of downtime. This cost includes lost business opportunities, lost productivity, and the cost of repairs.
Plus, it’s not a good look on your brand if your systems keep breaking down.
Ditch the Old and Embrace the New
Old IT systems are inefficient and costly to run. They also pose serious cybersecurity risks, not to mention they hinder productivity and modernization. So, why not replace old tech with newer, more capable systems?
Well, it’s often a little more complicated than that.
IT upgrading is a rather intricate process involving careful planning, considerations, employee training, data migration, and systems integration. No wonder so many businesses stick with clunky IT.
But you don’t have to do it alone. Highway 99, your trusted managed services provider, is here to hold your hand through every step of the modernization journey. Our IT experts will help you design a solid IT upgrade plan with cost-saving, efficiency, performance, useability, security, reliability, and scalability in mind.
Contact us today to learn more.
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