It can be quite annoying to have those pop-ups every time telling you to upgrade your software because the one you are currently using is outdated. “Didn’t I just upgrade it two weeks ago?” You may have, but technology is changing every single day. There are constant upgrades and bug fixes that ensure the software you are using is secure and has all the features you need.

Many businesses go with the saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” This is one way to avoid shelling out a lot of money for upgrades when you have already done so in other areas of your business. Some businesses don’t necessarily need to do upgrades, especially if they did one a few days ago. However, major corporations do this all the time, especially those that have a lot to lose if their security is breached and confidential information leaked.

Before we jump into why you should or shouldn’t upgrade your software system, let’s first see what ‘software upgrade’ means in its entirety.

Upgrading software means replacing the older software with a newer and better version. This new software will bring the system up to date. It possesses improved features and bug fixes. Upgrading to a new software sometimes includes paying a large sum of money for the better version. Other times the software providers are just trying to keep their reputation up and make sure that any problem that someone else already faced and they solved, reach your bucket before you even knowing that you have problems in your side. In online, business this is a critical decision and they must be on top of this to avoid major problems.

In order to make the right choice on whether your business should use the latest upgraded software or not, let’s first look at both sides of the coins.

 

Advantages of upgrading your business software

 

  • Your workers will be able to work at a faster rate. When you upgrade your software, the CPUs, hard drives and processors will be faster and more efficient. This means the workers will be able to quickly complete the work loads. The older software systems are not as fast or efficient as the new and improved ones.
  • Upgraded software will enable business people and employees to be able to communicate more efficiently through numerous ways that will be available. Upgraded software may offer more advanced ways of communicating such as through improved video calling or through modified websites.
  • New software is enhanced with strong security and all the loopholes that can be used by hackers are removed. Old software is more vulnerable to hacking. It may be easier to steal information because the security is not actively being checked and enhanced.
  • When you upgrade your software, you get access to new features that may not be available on old software. Using the new features and services that come with the upgrade will enable you to be ahead of the competition.
  • Some upgrades are offered for free to improve customer and seller relationship. Other times the upgrades can just be downloaded from the internet free of charge.

Disadvantages of upgrading your software

  • The new software may confuse people who were used to the old version. They may not be able to perform the tricks and shortcuts they used to do with the old one.
  • New software can also have bugs and problems. An example is when the new IOS was released. It enabled people to bypass the security lock and access the phone and its gallery.
  • This can lead to loss of money for the company, especially those that make money by the minute through using their computers. When the software is being upgraded, they may not be able to use it temporarily. This can lead to loss of income.
  • The customers may be inconvenienced because they will not be able to access the services your company provides when the software is being upgraded. The work may stall and the customers may become irate, especially if they had not been informed in advance that services would cease to be provided temporarily.

Advantages of old software

  • Some employees and employers are satisfied with the software they have because it gets the job done. If this is the case, then upgrading the system could make the employees become frustrated.
  • If the software in the business is providing optimum growth and sufficiently gets the job done, then using money for upgrades will be a loss, especially if it could have been spent elsewhere.

Disadvantages of old/outdated software

  • Using an old or outdated software may cause problems when you want to access IT support. The IT team may not be able to deal with problems that affect outdated software. Young IT professionals may not be well acquainted with old software and it may take them longer to find the root cause of the problem. The cost of repairing it may also be increased because of the time taken to troubleshoot and repair it.
  • Older systems are more prone to having issues and problems. This means it will cost more to try and keep up with an old software than it would to invest in a new and upgraded software. Old or outdated software can become unstable from time to time.
  • Employees can become frustrated with software that is outdated. Computers can pick up bugs over time and may cause the system to crash. This can be hindering their daily duties and if they become disgruntled that they leave, you could lose invaluable labour. It may also make your brand lose face if they start telling other people that the reason they chose to shift their workplace was because of outdated software.

After reviewing the pros and cons, it’s safe to say that upgraded software is the best and your company should have it if you can afford it. On the other hand, if you and your employees are satisfied with the one you are using because it is simply the best for your business, then you can choose to stay with it.

The important question to ask yourself is whether that software you currently have is helping your business to grow and flourish or not.