If you're a small business owner in the Fargo–Moorhead area, hanging onto outdated technology might seem like a smart way to stretch your budget. But the truth is, old tech can quietly drain your productivity, expose you to cyber threats, and hold your team back from doing their best work.
Here’s how to know when it’s time to stop patching and start upgrading—before it costs your business more than it saves.
Why Older Tech Hurts Your Business More Than You Think
Outdated systems slow everything down. That means missed deadlines, frustrated employees, and unhappy customers. Even worse, older hardware and software are magnets for cybersecurity threats—especially if they’re no longer supported by vendors. If you're still relying on legacy systems, you could be putting your business (and your clients) at unnecessary risk.
At IMS, we help small businesses across North Dakota and western Minnesota modernize their technology—strategically, affordably, and without the stress.
5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Technology
- You're still running Windows 10—or something older.
Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. That means no more security updates, making your systems vulnerable to cyberattacks and compliance issues. If your team is still running on Windows 10, it’s time to start planning your transition to Windows 11 now—before you’re forced into a rushed (and expensive) upgrade later.
- You’re constantly calling IT for the same problems.
If your computers freeze during Zoom calls or crash multiple times a week, your tech is likely holding your team back. When "just reboot it" becomes a daily routine, you're losing valuable time—and morale.
- Your software doesn’t play well with modern tools.
Still using that decade-old accounting platform or inventory tool? Legacy software often doesn’t integrate with cloud services, mobile apps, or newer systems—creating bottlenecks and blocking efficiency.
- Your team’s devices are slowing everyone down.
Aging laptops and desktops might still "turn on," but they’re often inefficient, energy-hungry, and prone to errors. If booting up a device takes longer than making a pot of coffee, it’s time to upgrade.
- Your cybersecurity tools haven’t been touched in years.
Outdated antivirus software and firewalls are like leaving the front door wide open. Cybercriminals constantly evolve, and if your defenses aren’t keeping up, you’re at serious risk for data breaches and ransomware attacks.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Tech Upgrades Alone
Upgrading your technology doesn't have to be overwhelming—or expensive. At Information Management Systems (IMS), we help local businesses plan upgrades that are cost-effective, secure, and tailored to your needs. From workstations to cybersecurity, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to See Where Your Tech Stands?
Schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call with IMS. We'll identify potential risks, performance issues, and budget-friendly upgrade options—so you can move forward with confidence.
📞 Call us at (701) 364-2718
🌐 www.imsnetworking.com
📍 Proudly serving Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Detroit Lakes, and surrounding communities.
FAQ: Tech Upgrade Questions from Local Businesses
Q: What’s the risk of staying on Windows 10 past 2025?
A: Once Microsoft ends support, there will be no more security patches. This makes your systems a prime target for ransomware and could cause compliance issues for regulated industries.
Q: Can IMS help us upgrade without downtime?
A: Absolutely. We plan around your schedule to minimize disruption—and we’re on-site fast if anything goes wrong.
Q: How often should we replace our computers?
A: Most business-grade systems should be evaluated every 3–5 years. Slower performance, frequent crashes, and lack of compatibility are signs it’s time to replace.
Q: We’re a small team—do we really need enterprise-level security?
A: Yes. In fact, small businesses are now the #1 target for cyberattacks. IMS offers advanced cybersecurity designed for businesses just like yours.
Q: Do you serve businesses outside Fargo?
A: We sure do. We serve businesses within a 200-mile radius of Fargo, including Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Fergus Falls, and beyond.
