Understanding What Software to Keep

Upgrading isn’t always the answer, but it is often very difficult to determine which systems you should keep and which you should upgrade. This article considers what software you should continue using and which bits should be cast aside.

How to Maintain Software

Maintaining software refers to the continuation of it within your business. Maintaining software, however, is not always simple, as old software systems become incompatible with the new. Windows terminal emulation offers the answer to this by creating an artificial access point into old systems. Many banks and large corporations use terminal emulators for windows to enable them to access outdated systems. This is a large step, despite the fact that it is relatively simple, so you will first need to consider what software is worth keeping.

Systems Worth Maintaining

Systems that are worth maintaining tend to be things like data archives and large servers. Terminal emulation began with the banking system, so that they could continue to use their vast databases and calculation systems within a new computing system. Many of these archaic systems are still in place today and the business of emulation has been involved with banking for well over 20 years.

In your existing business there are a couple of things which you should consider when deciding if you should maintain or replace your systems.

• Cost: Is it cost effective to keep your system? Often there are newer and more efficient systems available which will enable you to achieve the same tasks at a lower energy cost. Consider the long-term impact of maintaining the system and save only those which are cost-effective.
• Applications: Is your old software missing any vital applications? Maintaining a system which doesn’t meet your needs is foolish, but you will find that there is often very little variation between the old and the new.
• Value: Does it add value to your business? Consider whether the processes carried out by the older technology are a core element of your business. Much of the aspects of business can now be outsourced and this is potentially a good route for your business to follow.

If your software still seems crucial after answering these questions, then it is sensible to opt for emulation and to maintain them for as long as possible.

Systems Worth Discarding

Not all systems are as valuable to the company and some even open you to harm. The systems which should be discarded are those which reduce security. Windows XP may be an excellent OS and there are many businesses loath to shift away from it, but there is simply no denying that the security systems it offers are below par. Windows Vista went wrong because the security system revamp was so intrinsic that it basically broke the OS. An upgrade to Windows 8, however, will enable a software upgrade without the cost of a hardware upgrade, because they will run on the same system. Many systems, including Microsoft Office 2003, reduce security in the current age of worldwide networking. Any systems which ease the penetrability of your computer systems should be replaced immediately.