Anyone who uses a computer regularly knows that software can be finicky. Developers continuously update their software to account for changes in security threats and to add new features.
If you’re running a small business, keeping outdated software updated isn’t just a best practice. It’s a crucial step for protecting your operations, customers, and bottom line. Outdated software creates hidden vulnerabilities and inefficiencies that can cost you far more than an upgrade every would.
Let’s explore how outdated software can put your small business at risk and why proactive patch management is essential.
Customer Dissatisfaction Boils Over
Even a minor software bug can harm your business’s reputation. A glitchy customer support portal might seem minor, but it’s frustrating for your customers. In today’s world of online reviews and social media, even small issues can your hurt your reputation and cost you sales.
A businesses reputation is important. A software glitch can cause major problems for them. Consider a support portal that doesn’t work the way it was designed. It may not seem like a top priority, but if it is a problem for your customers, it is a problem for your business.
The truth is, with so much business being conducted online, customers talk to one another. If several people have the same negative experience, you’ll bet that you are going to lose sales as a result of it.
Minor Outdated Software Issues Suggest a Bigger Issue
Outside of a beta test, if your company uses software in the course of doing business, you hope it works as designed. In fact, a lack of attention to detail can make a massive difference in the quality of your overall product. Most people assume that if your business isn’t run with care to fix small issues, larger issues will pop up eventually.
The Obvious Security Concerns
When software isn’t updated regularly, chances are there are vulnerabilities just waiting to be discovered by hackers. People don’t want to do business with companies that could potentially put their personal or financial information at risk. Patching software and properly testing it is the least you can do to keep it from being a timebomb just waiting to go off.
Outdated Software in Business Cost Money
Outside of the operational and security concerns, not having a patch management strategy keeping software working properly is a big problem for a business. Especially if the software is neglected for a while.
Your outdated software isn’t just an issue when a customer or vendor finds it. It’s a problem when it doesn’t work right. Software that doesn’t do what it’s designed to do costs your business time and money. The value of software systems is the built-in automation and integration. If you are double-checking, or worse, not doing anything, you are throwing money away.
Software plays a critical role in your business, and as more companies develop custom applications and integrate software into various aspects of their operations, staying vigilant becomes even more important. Ensure that your software works as intended and is regularly updated with the latest security patches and threat definitions.
