IT Infrastructure: Signs you need an upgrade

When it comes to upgrading your IT infrastructure, there is often a temptation to put this off for as long as possible if you don’t fully understand how to approach it. However, the speed at which technology moves today means that this may no longer be possible and an inadequate IT infrastructure could lead to issues with efficiency and vulnerability to cyber-attacks. If you’re not sure when your business should be considering upgrades for this vital infrastructure then these are some of the clearest signs to look out for.

Performance issues are beginning to creep in

If your business is experiencing slow-downs, disruption to continuity or software crashes, then these are all signs that something is not right in terms of the way that your existing infrastructure is coping. If the IT resources you have implemented aren’t able to cope with the demand that you’re placing on them then it’s going to be important to take steps to upgrade your IT infrastructure soon.

Security and disaster recovery measures are inadequate

The security that you have in place to protect your business is a vital part of IT infrastructure. This can quickly become out of date given the speed at which cyber threats change today. It’s not just about ensuring that software and systems are recently updated but also whether the measures that you have in place to protect key systems and data are still adequate and up to the job. Disaster recovery is also another vital component in ensuring business continuity in challenging times – are your existing measures still relevant and effective? If you have any doubts about your security infrastructure or disaster recovery plan, then now might be a good time to upgrade.

You’re coming to the end of IT life

End of life dates are built into all systems and products by the developers who create them. At a certain point, IT products can start to falter which in turn may create issues with regards to integration, become non-compliant with regulations and standards, as well as be more vulnerable to hackers and cyber criminals. With this and your business’ security in mind, it’s vital to ensure you know when your IT infrastructure is getting close to end of life so that you can put the necessary plans in place to upgrade internal systems and hardware where necessary.

The business isn’t as innovative or competitive as it could be

The IT infrastructure that your business relies on can create some incredible opportunities for productivity and growth. Subsequently, if you don’t have the right systems in place, it can potentially hinder your ability to implement upgrades or syn with new and innovative systems or products. From innovations such as Apple Pay to moving systems into the Cloud, there are so many opportunities to create IT infrastructure that is designed to streamline the way that the business functions. From a streamlined transaction process and marketing automation, to allowing the creation of bespoke analytics, there’s a multitude of ways in which updating your IT infrastructure can allow your business to grow to the next level. If you’re not seeing benefits like this from your existing set up, then it might be time for change.

As we move ever further into the digital age, having a robust and secure IT infrastructure is now a necessity for many businesses. To find out how the team here at S.A.D.S IT can help upgrade your business infrastructure, visit our ‘IT Support’ page on our website, contact our team via email at [email protected], or call us on 0344 811 1167.