Top 5 Benefits of Investing in a Server Upgrade

22/05/2023

What is a Server?

A server is a high-performance piece of software or hardware that stores, manages, and delivers data to workstations on a network. In a small business environment this includes managing security updates, backups, applications, email, network access, printers, and file storage.

Servers don’t just include physical hardware, there are also alternative cloud-based products that perform a similar function. These can include Microsoft 365, cloud hosted servers (Microsoft Azure) or file sync and share applications (OneDrive or Google Docs). These solutions offer the benefits of a physical server but without the upfront cost of hardware.

Did You Know?

80% of outages in data centres result from server hardware	75% of attacks exploit server vulnerabilities that are over two years old	18% of servers fail in their seventh year

These statistics highlight the importance of having a server that regularly receives security updates and is continuously monitored. Let's dive into the benefits of upgrading an aging server.

Are you running Windows Server 2012 or below? We recommend you upgrade before its end-of-life on 10th October 2023. Contact Us >>

What are the Benefits of Upgrading my Server?

It is recommended that you should upgrade your server between every 5 to 7 years. Whether you choose to migrate all your data to the cloud or stay with a managed server service, there are many benefits of upgrading. Here are five reasons why it’s time to update your server:

> Improved Cybersecurity

Microsoft recently highlighted that ‘running apps and data on unsupported versions can create significant security and compliance risks’. Legacy systems that no longer receive security updates are easy targets for cybercriminals, leaving your networks and data susceptible to malicious cyber threats.

Modern server solutions have cybersecurity at the core of their design, helping to prevent advanced threats from finding a security gap. Having a server that benefits from regular security patch updates means your organisation reduces its cybersecurity risk, helping to support system uptime and business continuity.

> Maintain Industry Compliance

Many industries are now required to meet certain compliance standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Cyber Essentials. An outdated or unpatched server could mean you are in breach of these regulations. We recommend talking to an expert IT provider who can evaluate which solution will meet your industry’s specific compliance needs.

> Benefit from Greater Performance

Over time the performance of a server will start to degrade, and issues will start to occur. The initial signs of a failing server include problems with temperature, power, management, and memory. If this sounds familiar it’s probably time to think about an upgrade. A trusted IT partner can monitor your new server solution around-the-clock to ensure it is in optimal health while pinpointing any issues before they can cause downtime. 

> Future Proof Your Organisation

When upgrading your server, it is important to think about your organisation’s long term growth plans. Your new server solution should have the performance capability to support trouble-free network scalability should your team experience a period of growth.

> Avoid Downtime Frustrations

You should never wait until a catastrophic event to upgrade your server, recovery from a critical incident could have costly and disastrous implications for your organisation. Depending on the level of failure and how comprehensive your backups are, recovery could take several weeks if not months for your organisation to be back on its feet.

Having a routine upgrade plan in place will help you benefit from continued uptime, avoiding potential:

Cyber Attacks	Downtime	Data Loss
Reputational Damage	Invalid Business Continuity Insurance	Difficulty Obtaining a Cyber Essentials Accreditation (Essential for Cyber Insurance)

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Outdated Server?

If your organisation is currently running Windows Server 2012 or below, we recommend that you upgrade before it reaches its end-of-life on 10^th October 2023.

As an expert IT support partner serving Cornwall, Devon and the South West, NCI Technologies can offer a seamless server upgrade service with minimal disruption, ensuring your investment is maximised to its full potential. Start your server upgrade today by contacting us or booking a Teams or in-person meeting with our friendly sales team.

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