On average, large companies Use over 200 apps To help us run our business. Your company’s technology stack can help streamline and simplify a wide range of tasks. However, finding the right set of tools to use doesn’t mean you can take a set-it-and-forget approach to technology.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with President Steven Kurtz. Total ITThe managed IT services provider talks about the importance of regularly upgrading a company’s technology stack. As he revealed, there are several telltale signs that companies can use to identify when their technology needs to be reevaluated or updated.
1. Performance issues
“When employees at a company need to upgrade their technology stack, performance issues are often the first thing they notice,” Kurtz says. “This could mean that the system is delayed or takes a long time to load, which can cause significant delays in what would otherwise be a very simple task. Or, in the middle of a project. It can even end up being a software tool that crashes frequently, disrupting your work and causing data loss. Basically, anything that makes using technology a burden is a performance issue.”
Performance issues can be caused by a variety of issues, including an aging computer or apps that are no longer supported by their developers. Bugs and crashes left unresolved can harm your team’s productivity and ability to effectively serve your clients, damage your reputation, and reduce profits.
Upgrading your technology stack to prevent performance issues will improve employee engagement and satisfaction by eliminating sources of frustration from daily work, leading to further productivity gains.
2. Security risks
Performance and productivity issues are certainly troubling, but Kurtz is quick to note that: Digital security risks These are the main reasons why you need to keep your technology stack up to date. “Malicious actors are constantly developing new forms of malware to gain access to businesses and their data,” he explains.
“Using outdated technology makes your information more vulnerable because software and apps are no longer updated to keep up with new threats. The fix is easy, and you can minimize your security risk by using devices and software that are still supported with software updates.”
Misconceptions about security prevent many small business owners from making necessary security upgrades to their technology stacks. report Verizon highlights that 57% of small business owners don’t think they would be the target of a cyberattack, but small businesses are the target of 43% of data breaches due to lack of adequate security .
3. Increased maintenance and support costs
“In some ways, business technology stacks are comparable to cars and consumer electronics,” Kurtz said.
“Depending on age, cost, and overall performance, it may make more economic sense to spend money on repairs and maintenance rather than paying more for upgrades. If you find yourself frequently paying for support and repairs, it’s time to evaluate the long-term costs of upgrading to a new, more reliable system.
The direct costs associated with IT support calls aren’t the only costs an outdated technology stack can incur. Depending on the nature of your business, technology-related downtime can lead to lost productivity and sales, which can have a direct negative impact on your bottom line.
And when outdated technology is compromised, significant losses can occur. In fact, the average cost to recover from a ransomware attack is reached $1.82 million In the long run, the cost of replacing outdated technology hardware and software may be a more cost-effective option.
4. Unable to run new applications
Continuing to rely on outdated hardware or software can make it more difficult to add new applications to your technology stack. “Outdated technology may not be compatible with new applications and software updates, making it difficult for businesses to access the latest resources available to them,” Kurtz points out.
“One of the biggest examples of this is that many of today’s business apps offer integration with other apps, allowing you to put together an all-in-one solution specific to your business needs. If you are still using hardware and software, you are missing out on integrating them and will not be able to operate at peak efficiency.”
Our inability to support new applications may make it difficult for us to remain competitive in our niche markets.Notably, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce report In 2020 and beyond, small business owners who are “strong adopters” of new technology are much more likely to increase profits, sales, and employment than small business owners who are “low adopters” of similar technology resources. It means that it was expensive.
Get the most out of your tech stack
The way a business uses technology can either streamline and improve its operations or become an obstacle to progress. By regularly evaluating the apps and software that make up your technology stack and making changes as needed, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of the technology applications available to your business.
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