By Anica Oaks

Business technology changes rapidly, and it is often expensive to keep up. Still, at some point, you have to assess whether hanging on to your old tech is the best move for your business.

Your Operating System Does Not Support Software Upgrades

If you are running an outdated operating system, yet need some functions your current software does not offer, it is time to bite the bullet and upgrade. Using old software with limited capabilities can negatively affect productivity, costing you time and money.

Your Computers Do Not Support an Operating System Upgrade

Old computers may not have the capabilities needed to run a new operating system or even newer software. If part of your business is online, outdated hardware can prevent you from taking full advantage of internet marketing options.

You Get Constant Complaints About Your Website Functionality

The last thing a customer or client needs is to lose time dealing with an outdated and low-functioning website. You may think your website is fine, because it gets the job done, but today’s online business community is used to user-friendly websites that make their lives easier. If your website is constantly crashing or has frequent malfunctions, you can be losing customers or clients. Check your bounce rate. Many people never make it to the sales page when they run into a hard-to-navigate front page.

Your IT Team Spends Most of Its Time Putting Out Fires

If you find that your IT team is constantly trying to “fix” the system you have, or you are running into security issues, you need to make major changes. If they get frustrated by your resistance to change, you will start to lose talent, and good IT people are hard to find.

Your Technology Can’t Keep Up With Your Business Associates

Clients and business partners expect to work with someone who has the same functionality they do. An outdated system will keep you from meeting your business associates’ needs, and cost you in the long run. For example, if you do not have video conferencing capabilities, you have to leave the office for in-person meetings. Time is money, and why should business associates inconvenience themselves because you won’t change with the times?

Bringing It Up to Date

Upgrading an entire system is not a simple matter of buying new stuff and plugging it in. If you need a complete overhaul, it is best to bring in a professional team of IT experts to ensure that what you get is really what you need. They can analyze your business and set up a system with hardware and intelligent software solutions that works for you instead of against you.

While you may think you are saving money by not putting big money into a shiny new computer system, it may be just the opposite. Systems that do not perform the way you need can actually cost you customers, clients, and even employees, which in turn negatively affects your bottom line. Upgrading your system is an investment that will more than pay for itself in increased productivity and customer satisfaction.

Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.