The Danger of Holding Onto Old Technology

Not replacing old hardware can end up costing you more money in the long run.

That’s because old hardware can lead to increased maintenance costs, slowdowns that create downtime, and costly security risks.

In this post, we’re breaking down the costs of holding onto your old hardware, why delaying that upgrade is a risky decision for your business, and how you should plan for the future.

Key takeaways

Keeping hold of old technology can lead to:

• An increase in maintenance and repair costs.
• Slower employee productivity through poor performance and downtime.
• Compatibility issues with modern software and business applications.
• An increase in cybersecurity risk when vendors stop releasing security updates.

“IT still works” isn’t a strategy

Replacing your technology isn’t always straightforward. Updates can create issues, installations create disruptions, and the cost of new technology isn’t getting any cheaper.

But holding onto something just because it “still works” can lead to just as many, if not more, problems.

Here’s how:

It can cost more in the long run.

Let’s say a cooling fan breaks on an old PC. Because it’s an older part, it’s no longer in production, forcing you to buy from a more expensive third-party vendor who charges a large markup for the refurbished replacement.

A study conducted by Techaisle shows that small businesses spend an average of $427 on repair costs per year on computers that are 4 years or older.

Putting it into perspective, holding onto that computer for just two years longer than you should could mean spending around $850 on repairs, which is around the price of a brand-new PC.

It’s a time sink.

Waiting a bit longer for an old PC to boot up may not sound like a big deal, but over the course of a year, that downtime adds up.

The same study by Techaisle also shows that businesses waste around 42 hours of productivity per system per year due to older technology performance and repairs.

Compatibility issues become more common.

Modern software isn’t typically built for old technology. At best, it may run with limited performance. At worst, it won’t run at all.

The longer you hold onto old technology, the more compatibility issues you’ll have.

It’s a security issue.

When you rely on outdated software, you leave your business exposed to vulnerabilities. According to a report by Bitsight, organizations that use old technology are three times more likely to experience a data breach.

That’s because vendors will eventually stop supporting old software, meaning that critical security updates may no longer be released topatch critical vulnerabilities.

What if I depend on old technology?

There are always exceptions. Some businesses depend on old versions of specific software (known as legacy software) for very specific jobs.

But if your business does rely on these outdated systems, it’s important you understand the security risks that come alongside them. We recommend, when possible, keeping outdated systems disconnected from your network. Limit their use to their specific purpose.

An MSP can help you manage your aging hardware.

But where do you start when it comes to hardware replacement?

That’s where a managed service provider (MSP) comes in.

As tech experts, an MSP can help you upgrade outdated hardware and software. One way they do this is through IT asset management.

The stages of IT Asset Management (ITAM)

IT asset management helps provide businesses with a clear overview of what technology they have, when that tech will need replacing, and how to plan for upgrades.

Here’s how it works:

Planning

Your MSP creates a record of your technology, tracks its age, and helps plan for when it’s time for a replacement.

Acquisition and Deployment

When the time for a replacement comes, your MSP locates the right technology, configures and installs it with minimal disruption.

Disposal and Retirement

Technology that could potentially contain sensitive information (like a hard drive) must be properly wiped and destroyed before disposal – and it’s required by law. Failing to comply with proper data destruction can result in fines of $2,500 (or more) for each violation.

Monitoring & Maintenance

Your MSP will then monitor your new technology to identify issues, automate maintenance, and keep systems updated. That way, your tech can reach a healthy retirement.

Clean, safe, and budget-friendly.

By replacing your technology at the right time, you save time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. If you’re looking for an MSP to help manage your technology, look no further than WCI Technology Solutions.

Through proactive monitoring, automated updates, and ongoing security management, we help businesses stay ahead of their technology. We also help create customized IT asset management plans that keep replacements organized and within budget.

With one predictable monthly fee, you can rest easy knowing that your tech is being managed, maintained, and replaced when needed, all while staying within your budget.

If you’re looking for a partner to tackle your tech, reach out today.