The software we use in organisations has become intrinsically linked to how we work, shaping many of the processes we’ve developed. As technology becomes increasingly critical for quality and efficiency, the discontinuation of software poses a significant threat to ongoing success.
Unfortunately, a number of popular software products are being discontinued. In the last 12 months alone, I’ve heard of an alarming number of important software solutions being withdrawn, or ongoing development ceased.
Even more alarming is the way in which some software vendors have informed their customers about this critical news! In some cases, organisations hear the startling news on the grapevine rather than directly from the vendor!
More and More Software Solutions are being Discontinued
The recent increase in software solutions being discontinued has been significant. It’s due in part to the relentless pace of technological change with new and more innovative software solutions constantly emerging, resulting in many widely used and well-established software products being phased out.
This, unsurprisingly, leaves organisations with an immense challenge: finding suitable replacements (and quickly enough).
Initially, I was planning to list the many software solutions that will be discontinued – however, I decided against this to avoid naming and shaming. There are many reasons that software is discontinued, and each scenario needs to be handled carefully.
Don’t End Up Forced to Change – and Proceed with Extreme Care
The complexity of selecting, implementing, and embedding new software can be an enormous feat – and no organisation wants to be forced to do this on a compressed timeline.
Choosing the wrong software can be devastating. Not only is it expensive, but in the worst cases, an organisation will decide its already invested too much money to justify decommissioning the new software, no matter how poor the results. Some organisations must roll back to the old software and face even greater time pressures. This can lead to staff becoming resistant to any further changes.
While the discontinuation of software solutions is a significant challenge for organisations, it is important to remember that not all software products are created equal. It is essential to proceed with extreme care when selecting new software products to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.
Key considerations when selecting new software include:
- Functionality. Is it fit for purpose, and does it allow your staff to effectively fulfil their roles? Have you considered impending developments in your sector, and is the package future-proof?
- Ease of use. Is it an intuitive leap from your current systems, and will your staff be able to use it without negatively impacting your customer experience?
- Security. It’s important any new software products are compatible with existing systems and software, and secure from external hacks or intrusions – especially storing staff and client information.
- Data migration and system integration. Ensure it won’t cause any disruption to your organisation’s operations. Without informed decisions about the best approach, retrofitting data migration and system integration can be expensive.
- Training and support. What will be required to implement any new software products? It’s essential to empower staff members with adequate training and ascertain there’s sufficient support available to assist with any issues that may arise.
Look for the Strongest Vendors, not just the Best Software!
When selecting new software, it is important to focus not only on the software that will suit your organisation but also on the quality of the vendors providing them. The vendor’s reputation and track record can be just as important as the software itself. In many cases, vendors which demonstrate a track record of commitment to your industry are safe options.
One of the key considerations when selecting vendors is their level of support. It’s important to ensure they’re responsive to any issues or concerns that may arise, and that they’re committed to providing ongoing support and maintenance for their software.
Identify vendors with a proven track record of delivering high-quality software products and providing excellent customer service. This can be done by checking a cross-section of references, their private product roadmap, user groups, and the level of financial investment they commit.
This is a big decision with a huge impact across your organisation. Take as much time as you have available to do the research, talk to vendors, and make the best decision based on your needs. And apply a process and framework which eliminates conflict of interest and maximises transparency and defensibility.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of software products is a significant challenge for organisations, but not insurmountable. By proceeding with extreme care when selecting new software products, focusing on the best software and vendors, and ensuring staff are adequately trained, organisations can successfully navigate the transition to new software solutions.
Software will continue to play an increasingly critical role in the success of organisations, and it’s essential to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential discontinuations. By staying ahead of the curve and carefully selecting new software solutions and vendors, organisations can ensure that they remain competitive and successful in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
At Emergent, we understand the challenges involved with implementing new technologies and software. We’re familiar with a wide range of products and vendors, and we’d love the opportunity to help you with any questions you have.
Contact us here, or if you’re ready, you can book a meeting here. I look forward to hearing from you.
