If you operate a school district, you've probably adapted to a number of changes over the years. As you inch closer to the end of the year, it's time to figure out what still needs to be done. One of those potential changes might be an upgrade to your network infrastructure.
When you look at making updates or adjustments to your district, you're probably doing so in an effort to bring in a greater efficiency than the previous year. While updating your software or hardware might not provide an obvious benefit to your education goals, it can help save your district quite a bit of money in the long run. It can even boost your student and teacher productivity when the right updates are put in place.
Here are four major benefits that come with updating your network infrastructure.
Faster Internet Connection
New technological advancements are made every day, and failing to keep up with them can hinder your district operations. This can be seen clearly with Internet connectivity. If your Internet speeds are slow, your teachers and students will work at a slower pace. Teacher-facing applications will also lag and can be detrimental to your students' satisfaction with your district technology. Investing in a new network will allow you to utilize faster Internet speeds so you and your teachers can work quicker with fewer interruptions; this will improve productivity and help more students in a efficient manner.
Better Network Security
We talk about the importance of cyber security a lot, and it's because one successful cyber-attack could bring irreparable harm to any district, regardless of reputation or size. Cyberthreats are more complicated than ever before, and cybercriminals can easily navigate old and outdated networks. Newer networks are built with more defenses to thwart would-be hackers. Even if you've recently upgraded your network, you need to continually update your software. New patches are continually released that help plug the holes cybercriminals are exploiting.
More Compatibility
An upgraded network provides school districts with more options than they could ever dream of. You'll have access to countless applications that will benefit your district and give your students a step ahead, but your network needs to be as strong as possible to get the most out of them.
Less Time Maintaining Your Network
If you upgrade your network on old infrastructure, you will put more strain on your system, and your IT person will have to step in. Investing in modern infrastructure will help fix many problems in your district and will give your teachers more time to be productive, including your IT specialists.
Now that you're aware of the benefits of upgrading your network infrastructure, when should you do it? As your district grows, your network needs to grow with it. You will also need to upgrade if you're experiencing any issues with your current network. Because you work in an educational space and deal with sensitive student information, you may be legally required to keep your network up-to-date.
Upgrading your network and keeping it up-to date-will come with many benefits and few drawbacks. If it's been some time since your last upgrade or update, it's time to reevaluate your needs.