Power instability can really hurt your business
The world is currently a very unpredictable place and things have been changing at a rapid pace, it is often difficult to keep up with the pace of change or what is happening, making it really difficult to plan for the future.
Slovenia has already introduced fuel rationing, there is speculation of gas shortages, LNG (liquid natural gas) tankers destined for Europe have been rerouted to Asia, resulting in unexpected shortages and speculation of power cuts and further fuel rationing to spread across Europe and the UK.
One thing a business can do is make a small investment to protect critical bits of infrastructure so if there is any interruption to the power supplied to the business, it doesn't cause issues.
Most businesses use the cloud for productivity applications and services, such as email, data storage and collaboration, so what happens if there is a power outage? It's not so bad if you are using a laptop because it has a build in battery, however if you use a desktop PC and there is a power cut, even a small one, and you risk losing data. Even brown outs can cause systems to power off unexpectedly, causing data corruption and issues with power delivery can cause surges which can also cause component damage to equipment.
It's not only computers that are critical either because of reliance on the cloud, which means the network is also critical and needs protection.
So what can you do?
Businesses should consider making an investment in small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) devices that can keep critical services running for long enough to smooth out the hiccups and allow you to save data and shutdown systems cleanly.
A UPS also protects devices from variations in power, smoothing out any surges or brownouts protecting the electronics.
What you should consider protecting
We live in a very connected world where more than just computers connect to the internet. Things to think of are:
- The network - this includes things like the router, the ONT (the fibre connection), the firewall, network switch and wireless access points.
- Telephony and comms - Telephone systems and VoIP handset base stations, if you have a small PBX/VoIP gateway
- Servers and storage - single host server, NAS/SAN, virtualisation host, critical application appliances
- Endpoints that matter - reception, accounts, dispatch PC, line-of-business workstation, clinician/engineering workstation (as applicable)
- Security & safety - CCTV recorder, door access controller, burglar and fire alarm panels, critical sensors/monitoring
- Facilities controls - Building management systems control PC, comms for HVAC (heating ventilation air conditioning)/boiler controls
Without the network or internet, nothing can connect to the cloud, which is why protecting these critical components is essential, especially for monitored alarm systems.
If you would like more information about uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and to discuss how to protect your business call us on 01722 411 999