Secret to Staying Ahead: The Importance of Upgrading Your Technology

In the fast-paced world of technology, software systems are constantly evolving. However, as newer systems are developed, older systems become outdated and are eventually replaced. Despite this, some legacy systems continue to serve critical business functions and remain in use for an extended period, which can lead to significant drawbacks, such as security risk and performance. In this article we’ll explore the reasons why upgrading to newer software versions is essential for your business.

What is legacy software?

A legacy system is an outdated computing software and/or hardware that is still in use. The system still meets the needs it was originally designed for but doesn’t allow for growth. It is typically unsupported and may not be compatible with newer hardware or software systems.

The importance of software updates.

Software updates play important roles often related to solving or preventing a problem. For example, software updates:

• Protect against newfound security risks.
• Introduce new features in your software.
• Improve battery depletion rate and performance.
• Fix bugs in the software and improve functionality.

Why modernize and upgrade your legacy applications?

Increased security risk –> fix security vulnerabilities.

Well-designed legacy systems can last a long time and support multiple critical operations. At the time of their inception, there’s a chance they are receptive to top-notch cybersecurity protocols. As legacy systems age, vulnerabilities are found and can cause cybersecurity threats to your firm.

When a software reaches end of life (EOL), the manufacturer will no longer provide support or updates for that version. Without any updates or bug fixes to address security vulnerabilities, there’s a high risk of compromising your entire network security. By upgrading to the latest version, you can ensure that your system is protected against the latest threats.

Inefficient and unstable –> streamline performance.

New versions of software often come with performance improvements. This often includes optimizing the software to run on newer hardware and optimizing file formats to improve load times.

If you’re running outdated software, chances are your teams can use a boost of efficiency. Outdated systems may pose a threat to instability because they have not been updated or had bug fixes.

Incompatible with new technologies –> maximum compatibility.

As technology advances, software will become outdated and incompatible with newer hardware and software. Many legacy systems are standalone and were never designed to integrate with other pieces of software. This can drastically reduce the organization’s flexibility and scalability, as well as limiting the integrations you can perform. For example, a 2019 or older version of Bluebeam Revu is not compatible with the latest version of Microsoft, resulting in compatibility issues.

Software updates are important.

While it may be tempting to stick with an old version of software, doing so can put your system at risk and limit productivity. By upgrading to the latest version, you can ensure that you are using the best and most secure version available.

Have questions or need help with your Bluebeam transition? Contact the Bluebeam experts at Graitec Group, a Bluebeam Platinum Partner. Together we can evaluate the best options for your business.