Are You Using Technology Fit for a Museum?

What’s the technology in your office like? There’s a pretty good chance that at least some of the equipment you’re using may be obsolete. To find out if you’re using any obsolete technologies, let’s take a stroll down the Museum of Obsolete Objects and see what they’ve got on display.

The Pocket Calculator

Math has always been hard. Therefore, in 1970, the pocket calculator was invented and it took the world by storm. Suddenly, everybody was “doing the math.” In the 1980s, pocket calculators were a fashion statement, and they were solely responsible for the success of parachute pants with their many pockets. The museum points out that pocket calculators became obsolete in 1998. This is around the same time that the pocket-sized cell phone became popular with its calculator application.

Today, you may see a few pocket calculators around the office, or even a standalone calculator device used in accounting. Sure, mobile devices and computers can do the same job as a calculator, but some people prefer the satisfying “clunk” of hitting a calculator key, and you really can’t fault anybody for that. However, you can fault a person for still wearing parachute pants.

The Floppy Disk

There was a time when computing was synonymous with the floppy disk. In fact, there are action movies from the 90s where the fate of world hanged in the balance of who controlled a certain floppy disk. However, the days of the floppy disk are now over, replaced by CR-ROM, USB drives, and cloud computing.

Every once-in-a-while you will come across a computer still in use with a floppy disk drive. You may even encounter the occasional office still using floppy disks. As far as Directive is concerned, the only good use for floppy disk drives are for making music!

The Computer Mouse

According to the Museum of Obsolete Objects, the computer mouse will very soon be obsolete, which is surprising as the mouse is still a common item in today’s workplace. The computer mouse won’t be made obsolete because people don’t like it; instead, the mouse will be replaced due to the popularity of mouse-less mobile technology. Not helping the cause of the mouse is the fact that newer operating systems like Windows 8 were designed to be optimized for touchscreen, and many Windows 8 desktop machines function like a tablet and have touchscreen capabilities. You might as well make the switch now and toss out your mouse. You can donate your old mouse to the Museum of Obsolete Objects.

You don’t want to run a business on obsolete technology. It’s bad form, and by doing so you will miss out on cutting-edge solutions that can save you money. You may be using obsolete technology that hinders the productivity of your business without even realizing it. Whether you use one of these three old techs, or other outdated solutions like the fax machine or unsupported software, Directive can take the time to assess the technology situation of your business and recommend new solutions that will bring your organization into the 21st Century--and beyond! Call us today at 607.433.2200 for a free technology consultation.