Many cash-strapped smaller businesses see innovative technology as an unnecessary expense. They may think the hardware and software they do business with still get the job done. Plus, some employees do not want to spend the time learning new processes that upgraded software will need. According to a recent Microsoft survey, 90% of respondents said they would stop doing business with a company that uses outdated technology, citing privacy and security as a big concern. Also, using outdated technology results in reduced productivity and lower profits.
What are examples of outdated technology?
Unsure if your technology is out of date? Here are a few examples and suggested actions to take instead:
- Outdated website: If you have a website designed for smaller, 800 x 600 resolution screens, your website may look tiny on your customer’s screen. Also, those Flash websites circa 2007, complete with introductory music and animations, are inoperable on iPhones and iPads. Your website design is the difference between getting new customers versus having them move on to your competitor. Many view a company with an obsolete website as difficult and unsafe to do business with. Look into setting up a content management system website with a responsive design; the website size will adapt to smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices. Plus, the HTML5 coding of the site will allow for subtle website animations to show up on a wide variety of mobile devices.
- Working with computers older than 5 years old: That top-of-the-line laptop you bought several years ago may now be slowing you down. Replace computers about every 4 years, since the parts wear down throughout their use, leading to slow performance and costly repairs. A business technology consultant can help your business select computers with features that will complement and speed up your workplace procedures.
- Running old operating systems: If you are using Windows 7 or earlier, upgrade to Windows 10. Since Microsoft ended its support for Windows 7, you will not get any more updates that keep your computer protected and running smoothly. Attending to repairs of faulty operating systems can lead to lost hours of work for repairs, maintenance, and security patching.
- Using dial-up internet: If you are accessing a telephone network to connect to the internet, you are using the slowest type of internet connection available. Even though dial-up internet is cheaper than using a broadband connection, it may cost your company over time with lost productivity. Using fiber-optic, broadband internet, such as Verizon FiOS, Comcast, and AT&T, will help your company access the internet at much higher speeds. Plus, your company should strongly think about offering your guests Wi-Fi access in your business, especially since many of them need to work and communicate outside of their office.
- Processing forms by paper: For example, if you are billing a customer with paper invoices for services rendered, it may take days or even weeks to receive your cash. An employee must gather the data by hand, enter it into a spreadsheet, print the invoice, send it in the mail, then wait for the client to send a check. Consider storing and processing your forms electronically in a cloud database instead so your employees will only have to enter data one time. There are now mobile apps available on a smartphone or tablet computer that will allow you to enter data by selecting from auto-populated fields, scan barcodes, send invoices via email, and much more. Plus, your skilled employees will spend more of their efforts on tasks that grow your business, not tedious and repetitive busy work.
- Legacy software applications: Old software, such as Adobe Photoshop CS3, that was made for Windows XP may not operate as well on Windows 10. Also, many manufacturers no longer offer technical support if you are too many versions behind on certain software. Replace your software after two releases. Not only will this ensure compatibility with newer hardware, but your employees will also get to access new features that will speed up their common work procedures. Many software companies, such as Adobe, transitioned to subscription-based cloud software. In this example, your business would pay $50/month for the full Adobe Creative Suite instead of a one-time fee of $2,500 for the now-killed disc version.
Operating an up-to-date technology structure will help your company operate at its full potential, saving you thousands of dollars per year. SwiftTech Solutions offers a full business technology analysis of your systems, infrastructure, IT costs, and other related issues. We will help your company determine the right technological mix of hardware, software, server platform, network, processor, etc. If your company is interested in more information, you can call 877-794-3811 or email info@swifttechsolutions.com for a free consultation.
SOURCES:
Bates, C. What the technology you’re using says about your business. (2013, December 12). Retrieved from: http://www.microsoftbusinesshub.com/News_Updates/Cindys_Blog?post=What+the+technology+you%E2%80%99re+using+says+about+your+business
Fuscaldo, D. Survey: Customers Will Leave You Over Outdated Tech. (2013, November 11). Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/technology-web/2013/11/11/survey-customers-will-leave-over-outdated-tech/
Simpson, K. 3 Ways Outdated Tech is Costing Your Business. (2013, December 15). Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/3-ways-outdated-tech-costing-business-021011441.html
Microsoft. How Outdated Technology Can Cost Your Business. (2013, September 13-16). Retrieved from: http://smb.blob.core.windows.net/smbproduction/Content/themes/base/images/SMB_Get2MInfographic_FINAL.pdf
Clancy, H. How much does outdated technology hurt SMB competitiveness? (2013, October 31). Retrieved from: http://www.zdnet.com/how-much-does-outdated-technology-hurt-smb-competitiveness-7000022621/
Piltch, A. 12 obsolete technologies Americans still use. (2013, June 8). Retrieved from: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/12-obsolete-technologies-americans-still-use-6C10252994
Patterson, R. Two Ways Old Technology Hurts Your Business. Get Rid Of It As Soon As You Can (2011, April 13). Retrieved from: http://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2011/04/two-ways-old-technology-hurts-your-business-get-rid-of-it-as-soon-as-you-can.html/
Howard Bear, J. When Should I Upgrade My Desktop Publishing Software? Retrieved from: http://desktoppub.about.com/od/swbuyingadvice/f/When-Should-I-Upgrade-My-Desktop-Publishing-Software.htm
Sutton, C. A Blazing Fast Internet Connection May Make or Break Your Next Deal. (2013, December 11). Retrieved from: http://smallbiztrends.com/2013/12/fast-internet-connection-make-break-deal.html