Image Credit: dullhunk
While we are all about being early adopters of technology, you may not want to get to the party too early, particularly when it comes to your software.
Now, don’t get us wrong, you definitely want to upgrade your software, you just don’t want to do it too soon after it’s released. Here’s why.
Cost
Unless there’s a huge introductory sale, changes are new software is going to be more expensive when it first comes out. Try to wait if at all possible, and soon enough you’ll see the price begin to drop. Even waiting as little as six months can sometimes save you on the cost of your new software. Of course, the longer you wait, the more the price will drop. Just don’t wait too long or the software could be obsolete before you make your purchase.
It’s Buggy
With new software, or even new versions of existing software, there’s bound to be bugs. While software companies attempt to address known bugs prior to product launch, the reality is they just can’t catch them all. That’s why they are always releasing patches and service packs to update and fix found bugs. The longer you wait to purchase your software, the better your chances will be that they have addressed and secured any major bugs or security flaws.
Stuck In Between
Sometimes new software releases are complete duds. When this happens, particularly if the software was expensive enough, you may find yourself stuck with a piece of software that just doesn’t work. Or, you may find yourself seriously contemplating going back to the software you were using before, and just suffering with the known problems. To avoid the possibility of this happening, wait a little bit until super-users have had a chance to test and review the software. Then, read any reviews you can find, to have a better understanding of what you’re getting into before you make your purchase.
Compatibility Issues
New software can cause compatibility issues, particularly when your other software, or the devices you use, are older. While new software is often reverse-compatible, meaning it can read files from earlier versions, old software often has a hard time reading newer files, and some old software might not be able to read the files at all. When considering purchasing new software, take into consideration how you share files and with whom, and attempt to determine if these new files will cause any compatibility issues with other people or any older devices that may be used.
These are just a few reasons why you may not want to run right out and purchase the newest software the moment it’s available. But, this also doesn’t mean you should stay with your old software forever. Instead, strive to strike a balance to ensure that your tools are always up to date and that you and your staff always have what they need to maintain and increase efficiency and productivity.
Julie Strier is a freelance writer who likes to help you help your business. Email: [email protected]. Website:www.mybusinesswriter.com.