The role of business technology is more critical than ever, dictating an organization’s ability to adapt, innovate, and outpace the competition. However, many business owners still find themselves tethered to legacy systems, once stalwarts of reliability that have now become potential barriers to growth and success. If your company hasn’t kept up with the latest changes in technology, it may be time to conduct a Tech Refresh.

Understanding Legacy Systems

In the realm of technology, a legacy system refers to outdated hardware or software that an organization still utilizes. However, a legacy system isn’t necessarily one that has ceased to function. Rather, it lacks scalability and inhibits the organization’s ability to adapt to new challenges effectively. While sticking with legacy systems might seem cost-effective and convenient, the hidden costs associated with maintaining such systems can be staggering.

Adapting to Change

Businesses need to consider modernization as an imperative step to adapt, thrive, and maintain a competitive edge. Modernization is a strategic move to align business technology infrastructure with contemporary needs and ensure that businesses can navigate the evolving digital landscape effectively.

A Tech Refresh is a proactive process of upgrading or replacing key elements of your IT infrastructure, equipment, and assets to maximize their performance and productivity. Refreshing your workplace technology systematically and strategically helps you reduce operating costs, improve efficiency, and keep up with market demands. The key to thriving today is a strategic modernization approach that addresses specific pain points, embraces new technologies, and positions businesses for long term success in a dynamic digital landscape.

What is a Tech Refresh Cycle?

The frequency of technology upgrades is a common question, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on various factors, including your industry, business size, and budget. A tech refresh strategy establishes a predictable cycle of updating components in your IT infrastructure to optimize performance and lower operating costs. Until recently, most companies adhered to a four-to-five-year cycle. However, the “if it ain’t broke” mentality is no longer a sustainable strategy.

As companies leverage new technologies to accelerate digital transformation, meet customer expectations, and support a hybrid IT environment, they recognize that long tech refresh cycles are costing time and money. As such, tech-savvy and forward-thinking companies are moving to a two-to-three-year tech refresh cycle.

Drivers of a Tech Refresh Strategy

To future-proof your business with a tech refresh, it is crucial to develop a long-term strategy that takes into account both current needs and anticipated growth in the years ahead. Here are some factors to consider when developing a Tech Refresh strategy:

Improve User Experience and Increase Productivity

Old technology runs slower, takes longer to execute tasks and requires time-consuming maintenance, patches and updates. If your technology is not up-to-date and lacks speed, it will be unable to fulfil the needs of your business and customers. A happy workforce, with engaged employees are more invested in their work, and are more likely to drive business success.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The TCO of PCs goes beyond the cost of hardware. It has to cover installation, software, networking, communications, applications, maintenance, technical support, etc., which increase as a piece of equipment ages. Refreshing PCs every three years reduces TCO by 24% compared with hanging onto them longer.

Reduce Cybersecurity Risks

Over 10,000 new malware threats are discovered each hour. An old device is more susceptible to security incidents and runs a higher risk of malware infection. Moreover, software vendors and hardware manufacturers often stop supporting older versions of their products, which means you can no longer get security updates to protect against new vulnerabilities.

Outstanding Customer Service

Technology directly impacts the quality of service your employees can deliver to customers. Outdated tech could result in inefficient interactions, long wait times, and unhappy customers. With more than 90 percent of consumers saying they would take their business elsewhere if a vendor is using outdated technology, using legacy devices could end up costing your small business big time.

Implementing a tech refresh requires careful planning, execution, and maintenance. Businesses should prioritize investing in solutions that provide scalability, flexibility, and agility as they grow. They must also consider factors such as compatibility with existing applications and data migration when transitioning to new platforms or tools. By doing so, companies will ensure continuity in operations while leveraging emerging technologies that can drive innovation and growth into the future.

How to Make the Transition

As businesses navigate the complexities of modernization, an IT Services Provider can play a pivotal role in offering tailored solutions to adapt to those new technologies. Orchestrating a Tech Refresh involves many moving parts. Working with the right team can help make the process seamless while maximizing the ROI of your strategy. PointSolve is your trusted partner in optimizing your technology infrastructure, ensuring security, and providing the IT support you need.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help enable your business to fully embrace its digital potential. Your success is our mission!