Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are reluctant to upgrade their technology due to concerns about cost or disruption. But in 2025, the cost of doing nothing might outweigh any perceived savings.
The Hidden Costs of Outdated Technology
1. Productivity Slowdowns
- Aging devices and legacy systems are slow and prone to errors, causing teams to waste valuable time.
- Example: Employees often face delays with older hardware, such as sluggish boot times or compatibility issues with modern software. Over time, these inefficiencies pile up, reducing overall team productivity.
2. Cybersecurity Risks
- Outdated systems lack modern security protocols, leaving SMBs vulnerable to cyber threats such as ransomware or phishing.
- Tie-In: Windows 11, available on Surface devices, offers advanced, built-in security features like secure boot and hardware-based protections to safeguard sensitive business data.
3. Collaboration Barriers
- Hybrid teams depend on modern tools for collaboration, but older tech struggles to support cloud-based platforms like Microsoft 365.
- Result: Teams face challenges in sharing files, co-authoring, and participating in seamless virtual meetings.
4. Increased Maintenance Costs
- Outdated hardware often requires frequent repairs and downtime. These hidden costs can exceed the price of investing in newer, more efficient tools.
The Microsoft Ecosystem - A Unified Solution for SMBs
Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are reluctant to upgrade their technology due to concerns about cost or disruption. But in 2025, the cost of doing nothing might outweigh any perceived savings.
1. Work and Collaborate from Anywhere
- Surface Devices: Compact, portable, and equipped with long battery life, Surface devices are ideal for SMB employees working on the go.
- Microsoft 365: With tools like Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint, teams can work together from anywhere, sharing files, co-authoring in real-time, and attending meetings virtually.
- Seamless Integration: Surface is optimised for Microsoft Teams, offering high-quality cameras, noise-canceling features, and fast connectivity to ensure a premium video conferencing experience.
2. Safety and Security
- Surface Hardware Security: Multi-layered security, including firmware, OS, and cloud-based protections.
- Microsoft 365 Security: Tools like Intune and Defender for Business allow businesses to monitor devices and safeguard data remotely, ensuring peace of mind for SMBs managing a dispersed workforce.
3. Simplified IT Management
- Features like Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune streamline IT management, enabling SMBs to deploy and manage devices without a large IT team.
- These tools reduce complexity and ensure all devices are updated, secured, and running smoothly.
4. Cost Efficiency
- Investing in modern tech can save money in the long term. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), SMBs can save up to $9,000 per device over its lifecycle by choosing Surface and Microsoft 365.
- Fewer maintenance issues, increased productivity, and enhanced security all contribute to significant cost savings.
XMA – Your Partner in IT Modernisation
Microsoft Surface Gold Partner & Microsoft Cloud Solution Partner – Uniquely positioned to deliver with our Microsoft ecosystem expertise
Device Management As A Service Options- Supporting Deployment, management, Break/Fix thru to retirement and second/third life options.
Authorised service provider- With your own Account Manager, e can become a single point of contact for your School or Trust- Offering a seamless procurement process and support any hardware or repair tickets you have for Surface as an Authorised Service Provider.
Contact XMA today for a free consultation and see how upgrading to Microsoft Surface, Microsoft 365, and Windows 11 can transform your business.
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