As the world evolves, your business needs to evolve, too. In a digitized world, the way your business develops needs to be adjusted to the dynamics of digitalization. Given that connectivity is the backbone of your business operation in such a world, it is important to upgrade your network infrastructure regularly. Some things, like employees training for the updates and possible compatibility issues, may make you reluctant to upgrade your infrastructure. Nonetheless, the pros of upgrading always outweigh the cons.

It’s understandable that business managers might still have some concerns about upgrading network infrastructure. Some business owners might feel that their existing network infrastructure is adequate enough. Some others might be ready to upgrade their network infrastructure, but there’s uncertainty regarding the timing. If you’re one of the business owners who are struggling with these questions, look no further. Here are some guidelines on when and why your companies need to upgrade their network infrastructure.

1. Poor Network Infrastructure = missed opportunities

Old network infrastructure can’t support your business in grabbing opportunities that emerge anytime. In the digital age, your business needs a good network infrastructure to connect with people and potential partners. Furthermore, poor network infrastructure can in fact cause revenue loss. Sparklight Business noted that in a study 61% of businesses reported revenue loss due to poor internet connection. Even a delay of one second in accessing your website can lower your customer satisfaction by 16%, according to Quicksprout.com. 

2. Too Much Time Spent on IT Maintenance

If your IT managers spend too much time on maintaining the infrastructure, it’s time to upgrade it. Your IT managers might overwork themselves on maintenance simply because the infrastructure is outdated, causing a lot of inefficiencies and security problems for your business. Once you upgrade your network infrastructure, your IT department can spend more time on innovating rather than simply maintaining your system. If your IT department has time to innovate, you’ll be surprised with many great business solutions they can come up with.

3. Evolving Cyber Attacks

New things aren’t always better, but upgraded network infrastructure is definitely better, especially in terms of cybersecurity. In a 2016 report, Cisco.com found that 92% of businesses did not use the most recent version of their software. In addition, businesses which used old network infrastructure were exposed to 26 vulnerabilities. To secure your business operations, you can waste hours of productivity in maintaining your IT infrastructure, or you can simply upgrade your infrastructure instead.

4. The Need for Cost-Efficiency

Every institution needs to efficiently manage their expenditure. If you’re spending a lot of your budget on IT, upgrading your network infrastructure may sound like a counterintuitive measure. However, it can actually save you a lot of money as upgraded infrastructure increases efficiency and lowers the need for unnecessary equipment. IT4NextGen.com reported that businesses which upgraded their network infrastructure could save up to 25% of their IT budget, which is why 45% of the surveyed companies updated their infrastructure to suppress costs.

5. Unlocking the Potentials of Your Business

Last but not least, you need to remember that your business has a lot of potential. In the next 5 years or so, your business could transform into something much greater than its current condition. Once your business develops, it is impossible to rely on old network infrastructure. Upgraded network infrastructure will ensure the sustenance of your business in the years to come, allowing your business to adapt to new challenges and grab new opportunities. With upgraded infrastructure, your business can remain competitive and innovate better.

Apart from the various pros and cons related to improving network infrastructure, you can actually use third-party services that are able to provide infrastructure, such as Telkom DWS. That way, you can focus on your business and company development, and not have to worry about taking care of your own infrastructure. In addition, in providing network infrastructure, Telkom DWS also includes technical support for periodic monitoring so that your network is guaranteed from the risks of cyberattacks.