As an IT professional, you are responsible for ensuring that your company’s system is up-to-date and secure. One way to do this is to regularly check for signs that an upgrade may be necessary. Although it may not always be easy getting your boss on board with necessary changes, you should still know when your company’s system is due for some changes. The more you keep track of, the easier it will be to let your boss know what’s needed and the benefits it will have.
Here are some key indicators that your company’s system might need to consider an upgrade:
1. Your System is No Longer Secure:
One of the most important aspects of any company’s system is secure. If you suspect that your system may have been breached, it is crucial to take action immediately. An upgrade may be needed to patch any vulnerabilities and to improve your overall security posture.
There are a few key signs that can indicate that a system is no longer secure:
- The system is no longer receiving updates from the manufacturer.
- The system has become slow and unreliable.
- Users are reporting increased numbers of errors and crashes.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to take the system offline and replace it with a more secure option. Consider utilizing cloud security options, such as Horizons Consulting, to see what an extra layer of security can do for your company’s system.
2. You are Using an Outdated Operating System
Over time, new versions of operating systems are released with improved features and security updates. If you are still using an older version of an operating system, it may be time to consider upgrading.
There are a few telltale signs that an operating system is outdated and in need of an upgrade. One is the age of the OS itself – if it’s more than a few years old, it’s likely to be lacking in features and security compared to newer versions. Another is whether or not the OS is still supported by the manufacturer; if not, there will be no security updates or new features released for it. Finally, if using the OS is becoming increasingly difficult or inconvenient due to compatibility issues with new software or hardware, it may be time for an upgrade.
3. Your Software is No Longer Supported:
Software vendors regularly release new versions of their products with bug fixes and new features. They also often discontinue support for older versions of their software. This means that if you’re still using an older version of a piece of software, you may be missing out on important security updates and new features. Additionally, you may start to experience compatibility issues with other software or hardware.
If you’re not sure whether or not a piece of software is still supported, check with the vendor directly. They will usually have this information readily available on their website. If the software is no longer supported, it’s time to upgrade to a newer version.
4. You’re Not Getting the Most Out of Your Hardware:
As time goes on, your company will likely acquire new hardware. However, if you’re not taking advantage of the latest and greatest hardware, you may not be getting the most out of your system.
One way to tell if you’re not getting the most out of your hardware is if it’s no longer able to keep up with the demands of your users. If users are reporting that the system is slow or unreliable, it may be time for an upgrade. Additionally, if you’re still using older hardware, it may not be compatible with new software or features. This can limit your options and prevent you from taking advantage of new technology.
5. You Need More Storage
As a company grows, so does the amount of data that needs to be stored. If you find yourself constantly running out of storage space, it may be time to consider upgrading your system. There are a few different ways to add storage, such as adding an external hard drive or upgrading to a newer version of your operating system that has more storage capacity.
If you’re not sure how to add storage to your system, consult with a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed based on your specific needs.
If you spot any of these problem areas with your system, then it’s time to prepare a pitch to your boss on the benefits of an upgrade.