Microsoft today unveiled findings of a survey among SMEs in India, which show that SMEs using personal computers (PCs) that are over four years old are spending nearly INR 93,500 per year on each such device. The survey, carried-out by TechAisle, measure costs to SMEs due to repair, loss in productivity and security risks resulting from using old PCs. The survey also reveals that three or more modern PCs can be purchased at the cost of maintaining one PC which is older than four years. This survey was conducted among SMEs in Lucknow and 20 other cities in India.
Uttar Pradesh has over 89 lakh MSMEs, the highest in India, which collectively employ over 1.65 crores. These MSMEs account for nearly 60% of the industrial output of the state, according to a Confederation of Indian Industry, CII, report. PCs are opening the gateway for higher efficiency in operations, improved workplace productivity and better growth for SMEs. However, once a PC becomes older than four years, its usage cost, in terms of repair, maintenance and lost productivity, rises manifold, as illustrated below.
Farhana Haque, Group Director – Devices, Microsoft Indiastates, “Indian SMEs are increasingly looking at technology to make their operations more efficient and connect with new customers which in-turn is enabling faster business growth.Microsoft is working with PC manufacturers to introduce Windows 10 powered PCs that empower SMEs to address their key business needs, including increasing business productivity and having the employees use the latest technologies that seamlessly and securely supports the business applications they are using.”
Over 30% of the SMEs surveyed were found to be using PCs that were older than four years. The survey also found that SMEs hesitate in purchasing new PCs as they feel that the applications they are currently using might not work on an upgraded PC, and they don’t have funds for the purchase of new PCs. SME owners tend to focus often on short term costs, which in most cases is right, but at times it can lead to situations that cost more. Using PCs is one such area, as the cost of using older PCs requires more funds than purchasing new PCs.
The survey also found that SMEs who are using modern PCs have experienced better productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced security, as follows:
- 66% of SMEs saw improved efficiency by adopting newer PCs that enabled them with new experiences powered by cloud and mobility solutions.
- 63% of SMEs felt that they were able to better secure and protect their data on newer PCs.
- 58% of SMEs found that adopting newer PCs reduced overall maintenance costs.
- 41% of SMEs said that newer PCs made their employees more productive.
New PCs, with Windows 10 operating system, drive key business and IT functions for SMEs, such as the following:
- Higher productivity: Windows 10 provides an intuitive user experience, with built-in tools and features that help people collaborate and work efficiently. New PCs enable 2.1x faster multi- tasking than a PC that is 4 years old, improving employee productivity.
- Intelligent security: Using older PCs increases the chances of data breach. Windows 10 provides advanced security which proactively protects SMEs against hacks and cyber-attacks.
- Simplified deployment: Windows 10 provides simplified IT deployment and updates, as well as control over update deployments. Furthermore, Windows 7 applications can be seamlessly moved to Windows 10.
- Flexible management: Windows 10 provides seamless and better integration with mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
In India, more than 61% of PCs used in SMEs are still using older versions of Windows, according to the survey. Upgrading to a Windows 10 modern device offers experiences that are more safe, secure, productive and familiar.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.Microsoft set up its India operations in 1990. Today, Microsoft entities in India have over 9,000 employees, engaged in sales and marketing, research and development and customer services and support, across 11 Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Microsoft offers its global cloud services from local datacenters to accelerate digital transformation across Indian start-ups, businesses, and government agencies. In 2016, Microsoft opened one of its eight Cyber Security Engagement Centers in the country, to address security needs of both public and private sectors.
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