Technology is great--except when it's not. Older systems and hardware become slow, unreliable, and frustrating with age, and replacing them can be equally stressful. If you're buried under outdated tech, you might be looking for a way to escape--and that's where managed IT comes in.
Why Upgrade Your Tech?
Managed IT services helps you do a lot of things, from strengthening your security to streamlining your workflows, but one of its most important roles is helping you stay on the cutting edge of the technological world. Why is that? Why are upgrades a key element of this powerful solution?
Here are just a few reasons the future is always built into managed IT services:
- Efficiency: Slow tech is inefficient tech. If you spend more time repairing and maintaining your systems than you do actually using them, you probably already understand the value of a well-timed upgrade.
- Security: Outdated technology wasn't designed to withstand the security threats we face today. It lacks the latest and greatest defenses--and, worse, it's often no longer supported by software updates and patches, which means vulnerabilities last forever.
- Features: Although older machines and systems may still be functional, they're certainly not as capable as their newer counterparts. You've likely caught yourself daydreaming about new features and functionality that would make your work life easier.
- Frustration: Employees are on the technological frontline. If your setup is out of date, they're the ones who face all that frustration--and that can lead to increased human error, wasted time, and potentially a loss of your greatest talent.
How Managed IT Makes Upgrades Easier
The good news is that managed IT can help you dig your way out of this pile of outdated technology. Here's how it works:
#1: Your provider performs a tech audit.
The first step is always an IT audit. That's because these audits help your provider pull back the curtain and get a complete understanding of your tech environment, allowing them to identify problem areas, underutilized systems, and outdated devices or software. Along the way, you'll also get some valuable information about efficiency, security, organization, and more.
#2: You analyze the results.
Once the tech audit is complete, you and your provider will work together to break down the results. You'll be able to trace problems back to their source--for example, identifying which efficiency issues are caused by which outdated machine. This gives you the insight necessary to organize your IT assets into two lists: "upgrade" and "leave as-is."
#3: You prioritize your upgrades.
When you find out what needs to be upgraded, it's tempting to tackle everything at once. However, your managed IT provider knows it's best to prioritize. They'll help you decide which systems are mission-critical and which can be upgraded more gradually as time and budget allow.
#4: You budget for new systems and hardware.
One of the best parts about managed IT services is the budget support. Your provider doesn't just point to a device and order you to upgrade it; instead, they help you choose the replacement that will address your specific problems and then build a budget that will make it attainable.
#5: You upgrade one step at a time.
With your provider's assistance, you'll work your way down that "upgrade" list, choosing replacement devices and software as necessary. This helps you get many of the benefits of upgrading without the complexity of performing a complete IT overhaul all at once.
Managed IT Tips for Smooth Upgrades
Although managed IT services will always be there to guide you through the upgrade process, there's plenty to learn from your provider--like these upgrade tips:
- Don't choose the cheapest solution.
Inexpensive "quick fixes" rarely keep their promises. When it comes to upgrades, you often get what you pay for--so don't risk your security and efficiency by putting a tiny bandage over a much larger problem.
- Don't choose the most expensive solution.
On the other hand, you also don't have to choose the biggest, priciest upgrade. Analyze your needs and choose a system with features and functionality that actually improve your workflows rather than adding unnecessary bells and whistles.
- Think ahead.
Is a new generation of devices about to be released? Is cloud technology significantly altering the way you use a specific solution or system? Questions like these are excellent examples of why it's smart to think ahead during the upgrade process. You wouldn't want to buy a device that becomes obsolete as soon as you set it up.
In conclusion, upgrades are part of the tech lifecycle--one you should plan for and manage carefully (with a little help, of course).
Are you ready to say goodbye to outdated tech? Contact us today to start upgrading with managed IT services!