Did you know businesses that prioritize technology are three times more likely to exceed corporate goals?* When used strategically, technology can help your business in an array of areas, such as:
- Business Communication
- Decision Making
- Marketing
- Security
- Customer Support
- Resource Management
- Time and Cost Efficiency
However, even the most cutting-edge technology can experience the occasional hiccup if you don't keep up with regular updates—slowing down your systems and hampering productivity. That’s why it’s critical to perform an annual technology refresh.
A technology refresh is the process of replacing technology components regularly by evaluating their ability to integrate with other infrastructure components, rather than waiting until the outdated element begins negatively impacting your business. Taking a proactive approach is key, because maintaining legacy infrastructure comes at a cost. It exposes your systems to hackers, reduces overall productivity and may even drive your most valuable employees out the door by making it difficult to do their jobs.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Is it time to refresh your company's technology? Keep an eye out for the following six signs:
1. Systems are Running Slowly
Slowdowns can be due to several factors, including a failed integration, virus, or lack of updates. It’s critical to find and fix the problem as soon as possible to get back to optimal performance levels.
2. Experiencing Suspicious Pop-ups
Suspicious pop-ups typically warn users that their system is vulnerable to a security threat or has a technical problem. Cybercriminals can then extort money from worried users by promising to eliminate issues and threats that do not exist. You can keep these malicious players at bay by immediately refreshing legacy systems.
3. Random Shutdowns
It's normal for systems to shut down to install critical updates—but it’s a cause for concern when those shutdowns become frequent and unpredictable. While random shutdowns can be due to a range of factors, such as an unstable power supply, virus/malware or corrupted files, it could also be a warning sign that the system is due for an update.
4. Connection Issues
Getting cut off from the internet in the middle of a crucial task or meeting can be inconvenient, but what if it happens regularly? This could be a sign that your system has a flaw that needs to be fixed. If you’ve tried software patching and the problem persists, it may be time to refresh the system.
5. Lack of Integration Between Your Systems, Software and Technology
Your business may depend on multiple vendors for different technology solutions, so it’s critical that all components are fully integrated to keep things running smoothly. If you notice any component that fails to work together with other systems you have in place, it’ll need to be replaced immediately.
6. Your System Acts Possessed
You've probably seen situations where tabs open and close on their own, the mouse moves in the opposite direction, things open on your desktop at random and files get downloaded without your knowledge. Systems without proper patching and update history may exhibit strange behavior—instead of consulting an exorcist, we recommend a system refresh.
Collaboration Is the Best Way Forward
Technological roadblocks can be frustrating and attempting to overcome them on your own can be overwhelming. Let a Managed Services Provider, like CHR, take the reins, so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us for a free IT assessment for your business.
