Time to Upgrade?

When do you know if it is time to upgrade?  Operating systems, office applications, Shelby and/or ACS all have needs to be upgraded  from time to time.  Changes to software or related programs can cause you to have to make a move that might not seem like something you want to do.  To help eliminate that hassle, you need to decide when it is appropriate to upgrade and when it is best to hold onto the software you have.  Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

1. Review the functionality changes with the software.  Find out what new features it brings and whether or not you will need them, like them or have to have them to function.  If you need the new features, consider moving up, but if you don’t use those functions, it may be better to hold off.

2. Review when support will be discontinued on the software you are currently using.  Don’t let time slip away and be forced to upgrade because you allowed the support for the product to lapse.  Remember, support for your software may not seem like a big deal until the time you really need it.  And when you need it, you will certainly wish you had it. 

3. Review the hardware needs, i.e., do you need a new server or computers to use the new software?  If so, do you have the financial support to make the change AND do you have the time to allocate to training on new hardware?  If not, you may want to put off until you can allocate the time and financial need. 

4. Make sure your software will be compatible with all the programs you are using.  Case in point, when Microsoft Vista was launched, it didn’t work with several older software programs.  As a result, many people were left with a brand new computer and operating system and the need to purchase even more software.  Don’t get caught in that trap.  Study and ask for help ahead of purchases.

5. Plan to move your computers BEFORE you have to.  We recommend a rotation of computers yearly to keep each person who needs the most functionality with the best computer.  That usually means that you are moving computers that operate properly, but the function should be to the highest need, not the highest level person.  In other words, don’t give the owner the best computer for email and word processing when the publications secretary works on the worse systems.

If you need additional information, please email us to find out more information about how to know when to upgrade and when you hold.  Remember it is your money and you only need to upgrade if it makes sense.