Tech upgrades can be daunting. There are budgets and capabilities to stay on top of, not to mention how easy it is to overspend or get the wrong thing.
Business owners and management can often forget that even the newest and most cutting-edge technology will someday have to be replaced. No matter how fast or feature-rich that network or computer seems right now, there will come a time when it will need to be upgraded.
It’s best to keep in mind that you may be buying a replacement for current technology in as little as a year or two. How do you factor that into your plans? Let’s go through three factors that could affect your process.
Expected Life Cycle
Most pieces of technology have an expected life cycle that can be predicted. A phone might last a few years, while an external hard drive might make it to ten years of service. When making your plans, consult the manufacturer’s warranties. You can also talk to TimbukTech on what to expect.
You don’t want to count on a piece of technology to last any longer than it’s supposed to. At the same time, you don’t want to plan for those expensive upgrades long before they’re necessary, either.
Device Reliability
Reliability is a separate factor. While there is an anticipated life cycle, you should also be aware that some brands and manufacturers are more dependable than others. You may have Microsoft devices around your home or office that continue to work even though they are several generations old.
In many cases it’s better to buy a quality product that you can count on for a little more money than it is to deal with unexpected expenses later on.
Compatibility
Your tech devices may not stop working. They may just stop working with newer hardware and apps.
Newer and faster things are coming out all the time and you need to anticipate that you’re eventually going to start using tools that outstrip your current devices. That means that it’s better to be slightly more aggressive with your upgrade plans when you aren’t for sure. TimbukTech is ready to provide guidance and advice here, too!
The smartest thing you can do for your business is develop a tech strategy. Your decisions should be based on sound advice from a trusted IT provider like TimbukTech. If you feel like you’re spending too much, getting too little, or not utilizing the right tools, it’s time to call us at 309-444-7263.
Our Canton, Macomb, and Washington, Illinois-based team at TimbukTech knows what it takes to keep a growing business going strong. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn why so many businesses across mid-Illinois trust us with their computers, networks, and devices.