Digital technology has revolutionized the way we do business. The sheer amount of data that you can store and analyze using a computer means that the old way of doing things is no longer viable. While most companies are dependent on software for business, a lot of them are harming themselves by using outdated software. If you want an edge over the competition, it's vital that you have the right kind of software. This article lists some compelling reasons why you need new business software. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Your Software Is No Longer Supported
Eventually, software will no longer be supported by the developer. Either the developer goes out of business, or they go on to produce new software. If you're dependent on software that's no longer being updated by the developer, it makes sense to look into alternatives. Not only are you sacrificing functionality and efficiency by using outdated software, but it's also a security risk. With any piece of software, bugs and exploits are going to come to light. These can be capitalized on by hackers. Usually, these exploits are only viable for a short amount of time. Eventually, the developer becomes aware of the issue, and they push out a security patch. Unfortunately, if the software is no longer supported, security bugs will never be fixed. As time goes on, the bugs become more well-known, and the software becomes even more insecure against common cyber threats. The only solution is to upgrade to more modern software.
2. Your Current Software Is too Complex
While software has the potential to be incredibly complex, you don't necessarily want that for your business. The more complex a piece of software is, the more likely it is that someone will use it incorrectly. When software is sufficiently complex, it might even be a challenge to figure out what actually went wrong. It often makes more sense to use lightweight software that only has the features you need to run your company. Not only does this make errors less likely, but it also makes it much easier to train new hires. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that more complex software is automatically better.
3. The Software Is Too Basic
Alternatively, you might also experience issues if your software is too basic. Your software is too basic if workers struggle to accomplish tasks with it. If your staff think they need more features to get the job done, it makes sense to consider a better alternative. Make sure you consult with your staff before buying any new programs. If you haven't bought new software for a while, you might be quite surprised at what is available on the market today.
4. It Doesn't Integrate Well With Other Software
These days, integration is the key to digital efficiency. The main pieces of software that you use should work together seamlessly without any issues. For example, if you need to use a file converter to get certain files to open in another program, that's inefficient. Some companies even use software across multiple operating systems. This can be incredibly inefficient as you need to have multiple workstations or dual boot workstations for a single worker. Whenever you're shopping for new software, you should carefully consider how well it integrates with your other programs. You need to consider how the overall workflow will work, don't just think about how good each program is individual.
5. Developer Support Is Lacking
While some kinds of software might not be abandoned by the developers, the support offered might be poor. If you're relying on a specific program to run your business, you need to be confident that you'll get help if you need it. If customer service is lacking or if the developers are slow to fix issues, it might make sense to consider working with another program. Not only is this a practical issue, but it also leaves you vulnerable to common cyber threats. Updates are essential to keeping your software secure. If updates are slow, the software may be vulnerable to attack.
6. The Software Isn't Widely Used
Relying on obscure software can make your life more difficult than it needs to be. When dealing with technical issues with the software, most people will turn to Google to find the answers. The trouble is, the more obscure the software, the more difficult it will be to find the answers you're looking for. On the other hand, if a lot of people use the program, it's more likely that you'll find another user online who has the exact same problem that you have. Unless the customer support service is exceptional, you should be careful about using the more obscure programs.
7. If You're Not Automating Things
Automation is going to define the next decade. If you find people in your company doing things "by hand," you should consider whether or not the process could be automated.
You might be surprised at the number of tasks that can be made so much easier with software. Of course, automation isn't always easy. You might consider working with a Managed IT Services company to help you with replacing old software.
New Business Software Increases Productivity
In any kind of business, you need the right tools to get the job done. When working in the digital realm, selecting the right software is absolutely essential. Selecting the right software isn't always easy, especially if you want the most efficient and integrated system possible. That is why it makes sense to work with a managed IT services company that can help you to select the right software to do the job.
A managed IT services company can also deal with technical problems and deal with technical support on your behalf. If your company relies on digital technology to do business, you can't avoid having a dedicated IT team. So where can you find a good IT company to work with?
If you're looking for a managed IT company that can install new business software and revolutionize your company, take a look at our contact page, and get in touch today.