So how long should you keep PCs and laptops ?
IT Support
Ten years ago business desktops and laptops became obsolete within 18-24 months, running out of power, memory and storage as desktop applications became ever more resource hungry. Accepted accounting wisdom is to keep them for 3 years: long enough to forget what they cost, and just about as long as the user was prepared to live with them.
In the last 5 years, however, PCs are lasting longer. This is down to cheaper and more available memory and disk, enhancements in manufacturing quality, and decelerating software churn (80% of desktops are still running Windows XP – see previous posts for the facts).
So what is the useful life of a laptop or desktop now ? How long should you keep them ?
A new 25 page report from Wipro defines 3 years as the right point to replace. Their claim is based on their belief that maintenance and repair costs rise dramatically once PCs are out of warranty. They also claim that a 4 year old PC has 53% more security incidents than a new one, as managing a range of age of PCs leads to higher operating system and security patch deployment failure rates. The full report can be read at http://www.wipro.com/resource-center .
Fotec Advice: We recommend you read the Wipro report in the knowledge that it’s sponsored by Intel, whose business depends on selling more boxes, and turkeys don’t vote for Xmas, do they ?
A well managed business will have an IT Road Map defining how its IT infrastructure is enabling business growth over the next 12-24 months. The PCs and laptops will have a standard build, focussed on delivering the IT Road Map, pro-actively managed and maintained. Replacing the individual pieces of equipment is a down stream decision, based on their ability to run the right applications for the business. This way, IT investments are driven by the needs of the business, not by manufacturers wanting to sell more kit.
For more details on building IT Road Maps, just call 0845 601 6480 or just click here.