Every business should undergo periodic technology refreshes to keep core business systems running optimally. Not only does this keep your company at the forefront of technology, but it also boosts your team’s productivity and output.
Your technology roadmap should include routine software and equipment upgrades, and this post will show you the most common (and most important) upgrades to include in your roadmap.
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Top Tips For Conducting a Software Review
To understand what upgrades would best serve your business, you first need to conduct a thorough software review. Here are a few expert tips on making the most of this process:
- Start with the assumption that most of your existing software is outdated – this gives you the creative scope to make improvements in every area. It’s useful to ask yourself this question. If you were adding software today, would you make the same choice?
- Sort your existing applications into three categories: replace, sustain, and invest. Focus on what your business should definitely continue using, and plan upgrades if needed. Also, look for opportunities to remove complexity by asking where you can move from 3 apps to 2 app or from 2 to 1. Every time you remove an app, you reduce complexity substantially because most apps are connected to other systems and all of these integrations need to be maintained and are subject to errors causing business disruption.
- Start fresh. For example, if you have an existing CRM system and your business needs improvements to your website and online store, start fresh by looking at modern SaaS marketing tools that will deliver exceptional results instead of trying to attach something to your existing CRM to “save” the historical investment.
Now, let’s take a look at the top software/system upgrades that have the best ROI for SMBs. These are examples you could include in your tech roadmap, but it’s important to prioritize initiatives that most closely align with your strategic goals.
Migrate Productivity Software
Your company’s productivity software is a key priority for your technology roadmap. Start by moving from desktop OS versions to cloud software for better stability and access to more features.
And, before you transition office suites to the latest cloud-based options, investigate what parts of the suites are being used and what modules are unnecessary. Then, when you move to online apps for better connectivity, user experience, and lower equipment costs, you will save money by reducing your suite subscriptions to only the capabilities your organization uses. After all, why pay for software your team doesn’t use?
Finally, move your operational systems to cloud-based software, including accounting and ERP systems, for improved user experience and boosted productivity.
Expand Cloud Storage
Without sufficient cloud storage, file sharing and collaboration hit a wall. As part of your technology refresh, add online data services for better file sharing and communication. You could also consider document management system integration for better organization.
Refresh Security Solutions
You should already have an ongoing security review process as part of your tech roadmap. Still, a software refresh is also a great opportunity to modernize your security solutions and look for improvements.
Install next-gen firewalls with neural network protections for the most effective threat protection, and consolidate your antivirus software under centralized management for easier control. Better yet, shrink your network footprint and network vulnerabilities by moving to cloud solutions with strong security protocols.
Workstation/Laptop Refreshes
Most office equipment has a four to five-year lifespan. If you have outdated workstations, laptops, and computers, now is the time to replace machines with upgraded alternatives.
If you do go for an equipment refresh as part of your technology roadmap, don’t forget to look at current processor speeds and memory specs to ensure you invest in upgrades that can handle company growth.
Server Hardware Refresh
If you haven’t yet migrated your file storage to a network-attached storage (NAS) system, this is an important initiative to include in your short-term technology roadmap. NAS devices provide a centralized location for files, enabling you to build a private cloud to store, access, back up, and share files freely and securely.
NAS devices are an effective, scalable, low-cost storage solution, giving you a great ROI for your technology roadmap.
Modernize Networking Gear
Despite the massive shift to cloud technologies, the 2023 Global Networking Trends Report shows that 50% of workloads are still deployed on-premise. Before you invest in more servers and private managed solutions, investigate how your technology roadmap can move more of your workload to the cloud. Most software companies have dramatically reduced their development budgets for their server/desktop products to put all or almost all their investment and delivery of new capability to online products. This means that desktop/server applications are stuck in time and are falling far behind cloud solutions in their ability to deliver value, keep up with the competition, and provide pleasing user and customer experiences.
Modernizing your network involves implementing cloud computing, virtualization, and software-defined networking to reduce costs and improve the user experience. It should not mean upgrading to the latest version of your vendors’ legacy desktop/server-based products.
Network infrastructure optimization will also help your organization optimize workflows, reduce downtime, and save on licensing costs.
Replace Printers/Multifunction Devices
Finally, if you have any printers or multifunction devices at the end of the typical five-year use cycle, now is the time to retire them and invest in new models. Challenge the users if they even need printers and similar devices that were important years ago, but not so today.
The average IT department spends 15% of its time dealing with printing-related issues, including software compatibility and network connectivity. Networked models are best for improved workflows and will boost productivity throughout the company.
Feeling Overwhelmed By Your Technology Refresh?
Refreshing commodity systems in your business according to standard life cycles keeps operations running dependably. But it can feel like an overwhelming process if you have several outdated systems or hardware reaching end-of-life.
But IT investments go beyond hardware – it’s also important to have modern software and hardware that your team will enjoy using and will use effectively. With a well-planned technology roadmap from Coachbar, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Connect with a tech advisor to take the guesswork out of your software refresh!
