The decision to keep your software current may seem like a no-brainer, but is it really? While minor upgrades can prove highly valuable or even critically important, it's possible to take things too far – or not far enough. Let's look at the question of software upgrade scheduling, and when you might need the insights of our Austin IT support experts at Gravity Systems.
Moving forward with your software is something of a “Goldilocks” situation. You want your upgrades to be neither too much too soon nor too little too late, but just right. Here are some of the pitfalls you might encounter if you might encounter otherwise:
The too-early upgrade: Many new operating systems and programs become widely available while still in their beta stage – the features are all there, but in all likelihood, so are numerous bugs. Enthusiastic users may still hop onto the bandwagon because they're willing to find and report these issues. But if you have a business to run, you're more likely to find yourself held back by such snags. Even worse, some of these bugs may actually take the form of critical security holes.
The too-late upgrade: Have you been ignoring those “Upgrade Now” alerts or dragging your feet over advancing to the next evolution of a particular software program? Maybe you're worried that employees will stumble over the learning curve, or that the new version just won't be as good as your beloved old favorite. Unfortunately, time marches on, and so does computing technology. You may find that your old software is no longer compatible with newer systems, or that it's no longer supported with the necessary patches to run it safely.
Don't let guesswork guide your upgrade choices. Call us so we can evaluate your current software and make the appropriate recommendations!
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