The management of hardware in an organization is a complex, yet important task. There are multiple systems – computers, tablets, smartphones, servers, network components, IoT devices – that all have a life cycle. This expected lifespan can vary widely according to the quality of the hardware and how well that hardware is maintained.
Computer workstations are one of the types of hardware that get the most intensive use. They also have a direct impact on both productivity and security.
If a computer becomes outdated and begins to slow down, then the work output by the employee that uses that computer is negatively impacted. This, in turn, impacts overall organizational productivity.
Likewise, if a computer workstation isn’t updated properly and firmware patches aren’t installed, it can make that system a perfect target for a hacker. They can breach that one device and then use its network connections to infiltrate the rest of the endpoints and systems in a network.
80% of enterprises have experienced at least one firmware attack within the past two years.
It’s not unusual for companies to want to get as much life as possible from their computers. However, when computer hardware is not kept up to date and the warranty lapses, it can mean costly consequences.
Past a Certain Point, an Outdated Computer Can Cost You More Than a New One
There comes a time when it’s going to cost you more to keep an outdated computer in operation than it will be to purchase a new one. The same is true for repairs that are no longer under warranty.
Once a system becomes old, you may find yourself needing to replace components here and there. Such as having a hard drive need replacement, then six months later finding you need to replace a motherboard or graphics card.
Those repairs add up if the PC is not under warranty, and it can end up costing you more than it would have to just purchase a new system.
A study released by Microsoft found that using computers beyond their prime, which was past four years of business use, cost companies as much as double the cost annually of buying a new one.
Due to repair and downtime costs, the study found that systems older than four years ended up costing business owners more than $2,736.
If a computer remains under warranty while in operation, then repair costs can be significantly less. However, there will come a point where a manufacturer will no longer warranty a system that is too outdated.
Dangers You Face When You Use Outdated & Non-Warrantied Computer Hardware
Compatibility Issues
Software and applications continue to march on and take on new capabilities. If you hang on to older computer systems, you’ll run into issues with compatibility with newer work tools.
For example, you may find that older hardware can’t handle the new Windows 11 operating system upgrade or the latest version of business software you use. Once you begin to hit these barriers, productivity and growth can suffer because your employees’ digital capabilities are left behind along with your systems.
Security Issues
There comes a time in the lifecycle of digital tools where security updates and firmware updates are stopped. The technology company is supporting newer versions of its tools and must end support (which costs time and money) for older systems.
Firmware is the software that tells a device how to function. It controls vital processes like how a computer boots the operating system. When this is no longer receiving security patches, the device is very susceptible to malware attacks that exploit code vulnerabilities.
Your company should not be using any computers that are not able to receive ongoing patches and updates for the firmware and the operating system.
Higher Repair Costs
One thing that can cause budget surprises is unexpected equipment downtime. If an employee’s PC goes down, they’re basically at a standstill until they can get it fixed or get a replacement.
The time to get a part and repair an older PC is often longer than one that is current. This is because parts for older systems become harder to find. It can also be more difficult to find a computer repair shop that knows how to fix an outdated system.
Often, second-hand parts need to be procured, and these generally will not come with any warranty. This can also be expensive due to the scarcity of those outdated components.
Expensive Downtime
Downtime costs for a single computer can vary widely. It depends on whether the employee has another PC they can use, and if that PC is equipped with the files and software they need. It can also depend on the computer’s function.
For example, if you own a graphic design firm and the main computer that you use to create videos goes down, it can mean that you’re losing tens of thousands of dollars each day that system is down.
Any downtime for a device can mean high costs, not just for repairs, but also for the lost productivity and work product attached to that computer.
Need Help Assessing Your Hardware for Health & Security?
How old is your oldest computer that’s still in operation? Many companies aren’t sure. Vishnu Security can assist your business with a comprehensive hardware review that looks at both system health and security.
Schedule your free consultation to learn more today!