5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Equipment and Software

In my last blog, "4 Steps To Going "Paper-Less" in 2017", I talked about how to go from a storage room full of banker's boxes holding the last 7 years of your files to setting up a system that will get 80-90% of the paperwork out of your office by the end of 2017.

In this edition, I will be discussing “Upgrading Your Office Equipment And Software.”

Running your office on antiquated equipment and outdated software, just to save money, IS NOT SAVING YOU MONEY!

Having the newest technology is no longer a question of if you should, it’s a question of how soon can you!

Depending on where you are, technologically speaking, upgrades can be anywhere from free to costly.

Even if you can only do one thing at a time, start with what you can and set a goal to complete all the upgrades as soon as possible.

Your #1 priority should be upgrading the devices and the software installed on those devices that you use to conduct business.

This includes:

· desktop computers

· laptops

· tablets

· printers/copiers/faxes

· telephone systems

· Operating Systems

Don’t panic!

I get that not everyone can afford to buy a new computer or printer right off the bat.

If your device is only 2-3 years old and not giving you any issues, you can upgrade the Operating System to Windows 10 now and then plan to replace it within the next 2-3 years.

Your computers should not be more than 5 years old. So, if the last time you bought a new computer, it was to upgrade from Windows 95 to XP, it’s not only time, it’s mandatory to buy a new computer!

You aren’t still driving the same car that you bought in 2001. The were big, slow and energy gobblers just like that computer you bought in 2001 with XP or Vista on it.

Microsoft has discontinued support & security upgrades for XP & Vista systems making them unsafe to operate. You will need to buy new devices if your current devices have either of those Operating Systems on them.

In “Upgrading Your Office Equipment and Software” I offer my guidance on the subject.

Here are the 5 reasons to upgrade your old equipment and software:

1. Efficiency. Old equipment and software is slow to load and print, hinders productivity and wastes valuable time. Time is money!

2. Security-As new versions of systems and software are released, they cease to get security patches and therefore leave you vulnerable to hacks and viruses. Internet Explorer 8 is also no longer supported, so if your PC is using Internet Explorer 8 to get online, you are exposing your PC to threats.

3. Energy-Newer systems are lighter and faster making them more ecologically friendly.

4. Support-Once the creator of the system or software stops providing support, you won’t be able to install updates or new releases.

5. Happy Clients-It will improve your relationships with your clients. If you are still faxing and a client wants to send you a pdf, it is going to turn them off that you are not utilizing modern technology. If it makes it time consuming for your clients to communicate with you, you need to upgrade it.