Technology moves so fast these days, it seems like right after you’ve upgraded your computer or smart phone, a newer model comes out. But if you’re still hanging on to that iPhone 4s or using computers with Windows Vista at your office, you might not be aware of the hazards involved with using that older tech.
According to the Samanage State of Workplace Survey, 36.8% of employees believe their company’s technology is out of date. Over 18% of employees admitted downloading or using non-approved software to get their work done
If you’re not keeping up with the technology your team needs to keep your business growing, they might unknowingly download a tool that bypasses your data protection software and leaves your network vulnerable.
1 in 4 employees say that outdated technology is hurting their productivity.
Slow computers mean frustrated employees that can’t be as productive as they’d like. In a survey of time lost due to computer issues, employees spent an average of 91 hours per year just dealing with computer problems. That’s over two work weeks of time lost!
Our Managed Services Plans at Clockwork Networks keep all types of systems monitored, maintained, and running. We also let our business clients in the Castle Rock, CO area know when it’s time for a computer, smartphone, or tablet upgrade before they run into security, performance, and other issues.
Phone & Computer Repair Can Only Take You So Far
While computer repair shops can keep patching up an older computer or phone, how long before it becomes more costly to keep it than to upgrade? It can be hard to let go of that favorite phone you’ve been using for years. But what happens when it’s no longer included in security and operating system updates?
It’s not just about buying the newest smart phone or computer, it’s about keeping up with technology capabilities and important security patches and updates. Plus, if you run a business in Castle Rock or elsewhere, older computers can mean your business is a step behind, running much slower than its potential.
Here are 8 Reasons You Should Upgrade Your Technology
Clockwork Networks has helped many businesses upgrade their computers and smart phones when they’re so outdated they’re a danger to the company’s growth. We work to make upgrades affordable and fluid, so you don’t have to take a big financial hit or lose any momentum.
- Older Phones & Computers are a Security Risk
There comes a time when a particular phone, tablet, or computer is no longer included in the manufacturer’s updates. Those updates aren’t just for flashy new features, they also include vital security patches for data protection.
Hackers love older computers and phones, because they know that they are much easier to breach and infiltrate with a virus, malware, or ransomware.
- Older Technology Reduces Productivity
Do you dream of the days when your computer could keep up with you? Now you’re looking at an hourglass or spinning wheel way too often. Slow computers are the enemy of productivity.
Here are a few eye-opening stats from Smarter Business:
- Small businesses spend 1.3 times more money repairing a computer older than 4 years than a newer one.
- 42 work hours are lost per year when an older PC needs repair.
- $2,520 is wasted in productivity per year just by keeping three older computers in use.
- Older Technology Lacks RAM and Storage
New computers and smartphones are better, faster, stronger, then their predecessors. The graphics card, processing power, and storage space that comes “in the box” today is much more than it was just 3 or 4 years ago.
Software programmers take advantage of the new capabilities, which is why often a newer software won’t even be compatible with an older phone or computer.
- You Can’t Take Advantage of Biometrics
New smartphones have gone beyond screen-locking passwords that can be hacked to smart and secure biometrics that include fingerprint scanning and even facial recognition. If you don’t upgrade, you can’t take advantage of this security advancement.
- Increased Cost for Computer Repair
The older a computer gets, the more that can go wrong with it. The parts can also be harder to come by and more expensive. You may find that the repairs and lost time while a computer is down are costing you more than just upgrading to a new one.
- Employee Moral Can Be Dragged Down
Do you walk through your office and hear sighs of frustration because your team can’t get a task done without having to wait on a slow computer? Outdated and slow computers can push happy employees to the edge of frustration simply because they want to get their job done and their computer is holding them back.
- Phones with Draining Speed and Battery Life
You just charged that phone a few hours ago, and now it’s at just 40%! It’s not unusual for older phones to have problems with battery life as well as speed. Apple recently admitted that it was slowing down older iPhones due to battery issues, and they’re most likely not the only provider doing that.
- Compliance Issues with HIPAA or PCI
If you’re using older technology to collect, store, and transmit customer data and you’re subject to HIPAA or PCI compliance, you may end up with a breach if your system can’t handle the latest security updates. When you’re charged with protecting personal information like credit card data and health records, you really shouldn’t take a risk with an outdated computer system.
Interested in a Computer Evaluation or Upgrade?
Do you have an older computer system you’d like to upgrade affordably? We’ve been around the block a few times and will give you an honest assessment of your computers and a plan on how to update them. Call us for a free assessment at 303-588-9019.