Act! Blog

The (not so) hidden risks of outdated software

If you’re running a version of Act! that you purchased a few years ago (or more!), chances are your version has been retired. This means you’re no longer receiving critical updates that help ensure your Act! database remains secure and accessible.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade to an Act! subscription. With an Act! subscription, you’ll have access to all updates and upgrades as they’re released, so you know you’re always running supported software.

But what happens if you choose not to upgrade?

The fact is, sticking with old, outdated software solutions of any kind can introduce unnecessary risks to your business — and who needs more uncertainty these days? It’s important to understand the downside of relying on outdated software, which can include these top 5 risks:

1. Lack of compatibility with current business platforms

Chances are, you use a number of apps and services, like G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, and more. The last thing you need when you log into your accounts are compatibility issues, which can result in frustrating technology issues and worse, costly delays in accessing your customer data and business apps. When you subscribe to Act!, you always have access to the latest version of Act!, ensuring that your solution remains compatible with popular business applications and platforms including Windows®, Outlook®, Google™, and more.

2. No access to critical software updates and fixes

With an Act! subscription, you always have access to updates and fixes as they’re released, providing you with peace of mind that your software will continue to run without issues. This way, you can stay focused on running your business. Software should work hard for you, not the other way around.

3. Disruption to your business

Outdated, incompatible software versions are not just frustrating, they can actually disrupt your business. Imagine if you couldn’t run end-of-year sales reports, send a time-critical customer email, or complete any number of basic business tasks that you depend on every day. As a smaller business owner, you don’t have time to solve software issues or wait for a customer service rep to get you back up and running. By being on a retired version of Act!, you are at risk of losing access to your Act! database.

4. Risk of security vulnerabilities

Hackers are continually looking to exploit security gaps due to outdated software or other vulnerabilities. With an Act! subscription, you can rest assured that security patches are continually and automatically provided, so you know that your customer data and business apps are secure.

5. Loss of access to critical customer and sales data

Data is the lifeblood of any business, and there’s never a “good” time to lose access to your customer data or sales information. And yet, outdated software can create incompatibility or security issues that leave you scrambling to reboot access to your data. An Act! subscription helps ensure business continuity by maintaining compatibility with all of your other business apps and services — which is one less thing you have to worry about.

If you’re running Act! v20 or earlier, your version of Act! has been retired. Review a full list of retired versions here.

Ready to upgrade now? Visit  www.act.com/upgrade  or call us at 866-858-1492