Outdated communication systems pose business threat

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Your communications systems and security may seem like two completely different entities, but they go hand-in-hand. Outdated security policies means that businesses with feudal communications systems have a higher chance of falling victim to toll fraud, an illegal activity similar to computer hacking only with mobile phones, calling cards, and pay phones.

“Toll fraud is responsible for huge revenue loss every year and thus ensuring your communications systems remain up-to-date with the latest technology greatly mitigates the risk of your business falling victim to toll fraud,” explains Ravin Naidu, regional director South Africa, ALE, marketed under the brand Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, providers of enterprise communications solutions and services.

Another risk associated with outdated communications systems is the restrictions it places on you, your clients and your business. “Although your systems may be working well for you and meeting your business’s requirements, the constraints it places on future interactions with your customers will become imminent. Business models need to change as readily as technology does, to ensure that you are continuously accommodating new standards, new features and new users,” Naidu adds.

System failure is the most damaging risk of all to a business. Data loss due to outdated systems can result in system downtime and, as is the case with many system failures that occur with older models, spare replacement parts are hard to come by as they are outdated and no longer in demand. The time required to repair older systems increases with age which means that investing in a newer, more technologically advanced infrastructure greatly reduces the risk of downtime should a system failure occur.

Although newer systems may come at a higher price, it is a long-term investment for any business. “It is in every business owner’s interest to adapt to market changes and understand the latest that technology has to offer. By identifying the risks associated with ageing systems, you can eliminate potential downtime while boosting the longevity of your business,” concludes Naidu.