Why Upgrade and Finance your New IT Infrastructure

Whether it is to keep pace with modern technology, to accommodate growth, or most importantly, improving your business’s security, the reality of undertaking a business venture is that from time to time you will be required to put money into what essentially runs your business; your IT infrastructure. Although this may require investment, staying put with your current setup can actually become more costly in the long run.

The quickest way to determine if it is time to upgrade; if you’ve gone 3+ years without making any IT infrastructure updates, then it’s time.

IT products and solutions that have provided a foundation for small businesses 2 years ago are often not adequate to offer full protection against current threats

Signs you need to upgrade your IT Infrastructure

Continued use of IT infrastructure after its manufacturer’s warranty has expired is arguably the greatest danger you can introduce to your organisation’s business continuity. Since a server “serves” all other computers on your network, if it is not operational, all affected employees are suddenly taking a very expensive coffee break.

Additional factors that go against continued use of an out-of-warranty server included reduced security and increasing problems with compatibility. The life-cycle of a server should be directly tied to its manufacturer’s warranty.

Have you experienced any of the below factors?

1. Your system was breached: The biggest warning sign of all is experiencing a security breach. If your system experiences a breach in any shape or form, your team needs to immediately review your infrastructure’s security. Even the smallest email phishing scam can reveal big problems with your company’s security measures.
2. You don’t have enough storage space: If your employees are receiving ‘insufficient storage space’ messages, your infrastructure needs to be re-evaluated. Regardless of if it’s their computers or the company cloud, running out of storage has unfortunate repercussions for productivity. Not only does it prevent your employees saving the documents they require, but it can also result in your systems running slowly due to the system over-load.
3. Your employees are all using different hardware: When employees join your team at different times, they may end up using different hardware. However, having inconsistent IT in your company leads to a multitude of issues. Compatibility issues can arise with software and documents, as well as control and management issues.
4. You Don’t Have Hybrid Data Backups: Cybercrime will cost businesses worldwide more than $2 trillion by 2019, according to a Juniper Research study. Counter to what many small business owners believe, having a small business will not protect them from cybercriminals. The only guarantee against data loss and excessive downtime – is having your data both backed up and readily accessible.  For modern business, the new minimum standard is a data backups management solution that is both on- and off-premise.
5. Your IT Solutions Cost Too Much Time and Money Many businesses take a fix-it-now-and-deal-with-it-later approach when dealing with their IT issues. However, using this method will cost you more money in the long run. Implementing a solution that lets you manage your IT assets as a cohesive system can improve the performance of your IT infrastructure.

1. Your applications are super slow If the company’s applications are running slowly, your employees can’t work to their full potential. This can happen for a number of reasons, including low storage space, inefficient software, or malware on your hardware. Regardless of the reason, long loading times slow down your operation, making this is a huge warning sign you need to upgrade your system.

If your company has experienced any of the above, then your company may not meet the minimum requirements to keep your company efficient and secure.

Risks involved if you do not upgrade your Infrastructure

Consider business downtime to recover, the potential for extended downtime, and the overall increased risk to business continuity. In the case of disaster, consider the cost to your business if your systems go down for 48 to 72 hours, and the effect on your business obligations. Can your business afford these risks?

IT Infrastructures are at a greater risk of cyber-attacks without proper System support services. Machines with Windows XP & other outdated Windows Server Licencing are no longer supported by Microsoft. Without critical Windows security updates, IT Systems are vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage business data and information. Antivirus software will also not be able to fully protect you once a Windows OS itself is left unsupported.

Outdated IT Infrastructures may not meet the minimum requirements for implementing Advanced Threat Protection Services and Security Solutions.

Whilst we do not know what the future will bring for your business, ensuring your IT infrastructure is as prepared as possible will ensure growth can always be on the agenda. New technologies bring a variety of benefits to your business, will help you meet the demands of your market, avoid downtime and save money.

How can I finance my IT Infrastructure?

We understand that investing in your IT can become a costly venture. If you’re going to invest in new IT infrastructure, consider the future. Where do you see your business in five years? Do not be afraid to be optimistic; it can serve you well. Getting the bare minimum to meet your needs now may cost you in the long run.

More and more clients are finding that using a Finance company to fund their new IT Hardware is a quick and seamless process, removing the burden of paying large upfront costs that can vary from $40K to $100K+.

One option we can provide our clients is to ‘lease their hardware’. Just like leasing a car, you make monthly payments and at the end of your contract, you can choose to buy or swap it out for a new one. It is, of course, more expensive to lease than buy your own, but for businesses who cannot afford the upfront costs of an upgrade, it can make the cost more manageable.

Benefits of Financing your Hardware

• Optimise Cash flow
• Reduce costs, improve return on investment (ROI)
• Qualifies for off Balance Sheet reporting
• Simple accounting as an operating expense
• Preserves Working Capital
• No residual liability
• Flexibility to upgrade to new Technology at any time
• Flexibility to add on options or components as required.
• Flexibility
• Preserves Cash and Credit Lines
• Operating Expense
• Preserves working cash
• Improves and facilitates Implementation
• Turns IT into an operating expense

To find out more about the benefits of financing your IT Upgrade click here.

If you are interested in upgrading your current IT infrastructure and increasing your business continuity, please give us a call to discuss your finance options.

P: 1300 705 062

E: sales@abtechnologies.com.au