Technology changes at a blistering pace these days. What was cutting-edge a few years ago is now outdated and potentially putting your business at risk. Keeping your IT infrastructure updated with the latest hardware, software and security measures is absolutely crucial.
Refresh Aging Hardware
Much like a car, computer hardware has a finite operational lifespan before components start failing. The typical life cycle for PCs, laptops and servers is 3-5 years. Running outdated, deteriorating hardware opens the door to crashes, data loss, and performance bottlenecks.
Migrate to Current OS
Using an outdated operating system long after its end-of-support lifecycle is a major security risk. Yet countless businesses still run Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and other legacy operating systems no longer receiving critical security patches. Migration projects to Windows 10/11 and current Windows Server versions should be top priority.
Embrace Cloud Solutions
On-premises software and infrastructure have become increasingly obsolete and difficult to maintain. Migrating to cloud-based solutions like Microsoft 365, productivity suites, VoIP phone systems, CRMs and more means you benefit from automatic updates, reduced maintenance overhead, and anytime/anywhere access.
Bolster Network Upgrades
Aging networking equipment like routers, switches and firewalls contributes to poor performance and vulnerabilities. Upgrading to new high-bandwidth equipment, adding redundancy, and leveraging SD-WAN technology delivers faster, more reliable networking.
Revisit Backup Strategy
A cyberattack, hardware failure or natural disaster could permanently wipe out your valuable business data if backups aren’t done properly. Test restores regularly to confirm your backup strategy remains effective.
Deploy Unified Security
Having a fragmented mix of security tools and no unified strategy leaves gaps that cyber criminals will find. A unified security solution with firewalls, email security, web filtering, endpoint protection and centralized management is a must for comprehensive defense.
Implement Edge Protection
The pandemic ushered in a wave of remote work, and opportunity for cyber criminals to strike at your network’s edges. The experts at Hillstone Networks say that strong edge protection including VPNs, zero trust access controls, endpoint security and cloud security is critical as your workforce goes mobile.
Upgrade Network Monitoring
Outdated network monitoring equals blind spots into network activity that hackers will exploit. Modern monitoring tools with AI, behavioral analytics and automated response capabilities provide deep visibility into threats before incidents occur.
Revisit Physical Security
Physical security surrounding your IT assets is often overlooked. Older camera systems, keycards, alarms, and entry controls should be inspected and upgraded as needed. Physical security protects against insider threats, vandalism, theft, and unauthorized access.
Enhance Wireless Networking
Aging wireless access points, controllers and architectures struggle to manage the increasingly diverse mix of wireless devices and bandwidth demands. Upgrading to new Wi-Fi 6 equipment and considering options like SD-WAN, SASE, and 5G can vastly improve performance.
Leverage AI & Analytics
Artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analytics have emerged as transformative technologies. Leveraging AI/ML services, software, and infrastructure can unlock powerful automation capabilities, process optimization, and data-driven decisions.
Minimize Technical Debt
Skimping on updates today simply defers costs and compounds technical debt down the road when aging systems finally break or become unsecured. Viewing technology updates as a recurring investment rather than spending avoids accumulating risky technical debt.
Consult IT Expertise
Implementing these wide-ranging updates is a complex undertaking requiring strategic planning and execution. Working together with a qualified IT consultant ensures a guided, comprehensive approach for modernizing your infrastructure and avoiding pitfalls.
Conclusion
While these updates come at a cost, the potential damage of not keeping IT infrastructure updated is even steeper. Prioritizing these infrastructure updates keeps your business running efficiently, securely, and positioned for the future.
