Business owners often face a battle between productivity and cost efficiency. This is especially true when it comes to the question of replacing their employees’ desktops and laptop computers. At the end of the day, you want to get the most out of these expensive devices. However, if you don’t upgrade your hardware regularly then you actually run the risk of your older devices costing even more than brand new ones due to the expenses of downtime, repairs and maintenance. There is also the intangible losses of harmed employee productivity to consider.
In fact, research by Microsoft shows that using business computers for any longer than four years can cost more than buying two new computers. This shows that it is well worth investing in new technology!
When Should I Replace My Organization’s Desktops and Laptops?
We are big believers in being proactive. This means that we suggest that organizations should upgrade their laptops and desktops at least every three to four years. This is the optimum time within which you will get the most out of the device without too many additional costs for breakdowns and repairs. Any time after that and you may find your employees frequently knocking on your door saying that their computer has crashed again!
Not yet convinced? We will look at why the three to four year mark is the best time to replace your computer hardware.
Cost of Downtime
After three or four years, your computers are more likely to suffer from downtime. A report by Gartner found that every minute of IT downtime costs companies an average of $5,600 per minute. This is a costly expense that you definitely want to avoid!
Moreover, further research shows that computers that are four years old experience twice the downtime of three year old devices. This indicates that you really should consider replacement just after the three year mark.
Malware Risks Proliferate
It is a well known fact that older operating systems tend to use older software versions and may not be able to upgrade to the most recent software released by vendors because they are too archaic.
When this happens, your devices’ susceptibility to malware infections skyrockets. This is because cybercriminals can use unpatched security vulnerabilities to their advantage which enables them to gain a foothold in your network. Then they might be able to launch a ransomware attack, steal data, etc.
Data Loss
If your employees’ computers regularly shut down or malfunction, you will likely lose precious data that your people weren’t able to save before the crash happens. Intel research shows that computers over four year old cause three times more data loss than newer computers.
Rising Maintenance Costs
As computers age, more service and maintenance calls are required to keep them in operation. A repair here and an emergency maintenance visit there adds up. It won’t take long before you have paid more to service the older PC than it would cost for a new one.
PCs older than 4-years old have nearly twice the number of annual service calls as those that are 3-years old. The length of support calls are also longer by about 20 minutes more each.
Productivity Loss
As already noted, downtime and slow machines can severely hamper employee productivity. In fact, research shows that organizations average a loss of 545 hours of employee productivity due to IT downtime. On top of this, employees lose an average of half an hour of productivity every week attempting to fix their PC problems.
The newer your computers are means the less likely they are to be slow or shut down. This enables your people to be more productive and efficient!
Employee Frustration And Retention
Bad technology can really harm employee morale. Frequent technology breakdowns can leave your employees feeling exasperated and frustrated. If you don’t make changes, they may feel like you don’t care about their well-being.
This can then lead to more resignations because employees who don’t feel appreciated or satisfied at work are more likely to look for a job elsewhere. They will go out and look for a company that provides them with reliable technology!
Outdated Software Leading To Stunted Innovation
Lastly, if your employees use outdated software and hardware, you won’t be able to take advantage of the latest and greatest technology innovations. New software is full of great features that harness the power of automation and AI. You need new computers to use these tools. Your competitors are likely doing just that. To stay in the game, it is well worth regularly replacing your desktops and laptops.
Get Help with Upgrading Your Desktop Or Laptop Computers
Ready to upgrade your hardware devices? We can help. As Dell and Lenovo resellers, we have access to the latest and greatest laptops and computers on the market.
Sound Computers brings just the right computer technology for fulfilling your business needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.