No one wants their laptop or desktop to run slowly, inhibit productivity, or hamper security efforts. However, this is exactly what many small organizations are doing by ignoring the important need to upgrade the operating systems of their devices.
You may be asking, wait – didn’t we just do this? Or didn’t we just buy new computers? The fact is, technology is fast-moving and constant updates are being made for efficiency and security. To fall behind in this respect is to risk the safety of your business data and the productivity of your employees, among many others.
Certainly, upgrading the OS can seem troublesome and like a waste of valuable time, but at some point it is necessary. Especially when one considers the repercussions of not doing so.
- Security
Perhaps the most obvious reason to keep your operating systems up-to-date is security. With ransomware running rampant, no organization can overlook the threat of their business completely halting and data being held hostage until a ransom is paid. When an OS is not up to snuff, security falls by the wayside. For example, there are some earlier versions of Microsoft Windows, such as Windows XP and Windows 7 that no longer receives security updates. Systems such as this are that much more vulnerable to threats. Also consider that your support team, whether internal or external, may not be able to support older technology.
2. Productivity
Older systems are slower, that’s a fact. In 2020, there is nothing more infuriating than twiddling your thumbs while you wait for a page to open, an application to load, or even the computer itself to begin running. With the number of advancements that have been made, it is simply unreasonable for any organization to deal with inhibited productivity.
Also, consider the new features that come with an updated OS offering better functionality. For example, an easier to navigate start menu, notification tabs, simpler design, and the convenience of being able to talk to your technology through Window’s Cortana.
3. More Opportunities
There are plenty of ways in which technology can do what was once deemed impossible. Today, businesses communicate with organizations across the globe via video chat, teams work anywhere thanks to mobile remote access. Of course, not just any operating system will keep these working efficiently.
4. Cost Savings
While upgrading sounds like a costly investment, at the end of the day it is a much better option. For example, older systems have more issues, which means they need more intervention and thus more costs. Rather than waiting for something to go wrong with your current system, it is much safer and smarter to upgrade before that happens.
5. Avoid Obsolescence
When an OS is left at its base level, the ability to keep running effectively diminishes. For example, increased failures and longer and more frequent downtimes.
In some instances, software may not even be compatible with the operating system anymore, in which case users will see errors such as a failure to launch, permission error, and an inability to save configuration data.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many reasons organizations need to keep their operating systems up-to-date.
Upgrade with Ease
Want the benefits of upgrading your operating systems without the hassle of managing it yourself? This is easier than you think with the right MSP working for you. At Netzbahn, we take the hard part out of upgrading while also ensuring that your software and systems are running smoothly.