According to Gartner, worldwide enterprise IT spending will reach $3.8 trillion in 2021, a 4 percent rise from 2020. In the digital era, technology is a critical KPI in any business sector. That’s why entrepreneurs are willing to pay top dollar for next-gen IT devices, software, and services. The question is, are you doing the same?
Does your enterprise run on outdated legacy systems as the world moves on to more advanced technologies? If so, you’re not only falling behind on popular trends but also putting your business performance and security at great risk. Read on to learn how cloud migration saves you the constant headache of keeping up with rapidly changing technologies. And also, find out why a majority of enterprise workloads are quickly shifting to the cloud.
Signs it’s time to upgrade your IT infrastructure
Many entrepreneurs struggle to find enough reasons to upgrade their IT systems because they’re unaware of how their IT performance affects their work processes, customer experience, and business productivity. The truth is, just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t or shouldn’t be improved. Look out for these signs that your systems need an upgrade:
Hardware and software crash all the time, leading to frequent IT downtime.
IT speed and performance figures are dropping.
Your employees are using multiple systems to complete a single task.
Energy and IT expenses are going up.
Your systems reject new software applications and end-user devices.
Employees are complaining about complicated procedures and workflows.
You can’t remember the last time you upgraded.
You’re not using cloud services.
The risks of running legacy systems
Besides slower digital processes and frequent downtimes, there are also many other downsides to running outdated IT equipment. You expose your business, customers, and staff to so many risks by holding on to legacy systems. Some of the most significant risks are jeopardized data security and non-compliance with data protection standards. Older systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks since they lack the latest and most advanced cybersecurity defenses, patches, and fixes. As experts put it, legacy IT systems are often the gateway to cyber breaches.
Outdated systems also limit your workflow processes and business opportunities. For instance, many workplace systems from a decade ago can barely support the flexibility, unlimited access, and mobility afforded by modern unified communications and cloud systems. You also can’t take advantage of advanced business tools such as AI analytics, data backup and recovery, and data-centric ERPs and CRMs, stunting your digital and business growth.