Everyone loves to use free things in the workplace, as it’s a great way to keep costs down. However, using free software comes with a variety of risks. Reaching out to a managed IT services provider in Dallas is always a smart option to learn more about the pros and cons of using free software in the workplace. These IT professionals can help you determine if free software is worth it or if you need to consider making an upgrade.

Here are a few of the top questions to consider before you decide to use free software:

Will My Data Be Safe?

Data security is a top concern in all types of industries. A data breach can easily ruin your reputation and trust with clients. Understanding how free software programs handle your data is essential before using these applications. Doing your research in advance will help you understand if they take data security seriously or if you should consider looking for a paid software solution that offers more robust data security methods.

Can I Collaborate with Others?

Many free software solutions work great for individuals, but they don’t always work best with others. A lack of compatibility can make it impossible to work together with other employees, which reduces productivity and makes job tasks much more difficult. All of these challenges may be more trouble than they are worth, as upgrading to a paid software subscription from a managed IT services provider in Dallas can help you avoid these collaboration issues in the workplace.

Will I Be Able to Work Offline?

A few of the top enterprise-grade applications allow you to make changes to files from any location, whether you have access to the internet or not. These built-in cloud capabilities make it possible for you to automatically update your offline version to other versions on the cloud once an internet connection is established. This added convenience is especially important for remote workers that may not always have access to a viable internet connection.

Do Software Upgrades Happen Automatically?

Automatic software upgrades are one of the top lines of defense against evolving cyber-attacks. Ransomware and other cyber attacks often target outdated software applications by taking advantage of security vulnerabilities. Using a software application that downloads and applies updates automatically is essential in keeping your data safe and limiting the chance of becoming the next victim of these cybercriminals.

Technagy offers a wide array of managed IT services for small to mid-sized businesses in Dallas. Our team is always happy to answer questions while providing around-the-clock IT support. Feel free to contact us to learn more information about our managed IT services!