As an IT asset manager have you ever experienced a day of unplanned downtime? Server hardware failure is one of those risks that can occur without warning. Staying proactive in your IT asset management is important. With more options to extend the life of your IT hardware the temptation to work with older, less-reliable equipment rises. Inevitably it comes to a point when, despite your best efforts, you have to let go as the risks begin to outweigh the benefits.

Most big businesses today rely on a website and email service where an interruption can slow down operations along with potential revenues. But when does it get to the point where you need to upgrade your data center servers? When can you identify when it’s the right time for you?

Here are 5 signs you need to consider your upgrade options.

1. Your servers start performing poorly.
The stability, speed and uptime of these devices is critical to your business. Annually server performance decreases by 14 percent. By year five, a server will only have 40 percent of the performance it had when it was new. This combination of poor performance and higher failure rates, increases unplanned downtime by 20 percent each year1. Considering maintenance costs, upgrading becomes your best option.

2. You and your employees are held back from accessing larger applications.
When your IT infrastructure can no longer support modern applications, it can suppress opportunities for accelerated performance and efficiencies. Simply having this capability to handle resource-intensive applications, download content and expand your website could take your business to another level.

3. You need to add more users to your network.
As a growing business with a growing demand, this could be a great problem to have. If you are in need of upgrading your storage capacity or other related networking equipment, upgrading your IT devices may be your best option for a smooth transition and efficient working atmosphere.

4. You want to save on energy costs…and more.
When you upgrade to more powerful servers you will probably need fewer. This would then trickle down to reduced,
• energy and cooling costs,
• data center space requirements,
• maintenance time, and
• licensing costs1.

5. Your hardware service contract or warranty is about to expire.
If your hardware service contract is close to expiration, you will be taking inventory of your server equipment to understand the number of devices included in the contract when renewed. If a server is more than 3-5 years old and no longer covered by a warranty it will, in some cases make better financial sense to upgrade.

The process to upgrade your IT equipment can consume you but opportunities to improve your IT system reliability and maintenance will prove worthy of your time. Increased capabilities, improved costs and resolved performance issues are among many of the benefits of upgrading to achieve a dependable work atmosphere without interruption.

Learn more about data center relocation, expansion and upgrade projects.

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Sources:
1. https://.dellemc.com/en-nz/campaigns/dell-emc/checklist-server-upgrade.htm