Many businesses are walking a thin line between being in business … and not.
A lot rests on the systems put in place for the business. Processes and technologies are probably all running fine today. But it’s critical to regularly review what “could” happen. When was the last time you considered the impact of a stressor on that system?
- Case Study, Company Q:
Twenty employees, data-heavy interactions through the local server. It generally works just fine, so they don’t think too much about it.
On Tuesday, the Internet went down. Oh boy. So, everyone went home because the Internet was “up” there, yet productivity was definitely compromised. During the work disruption, an employee accidentally deletes an important folder that he had saved to his hard drive while working at home.
While Internet at home worked fine, the same could not be said for access to the server. That, of course, was the residence for the proposal the team was working on, which meant returning to the office, downloading the document, having each team member work on his or her pieces, and then re-synching upon return. At least the Internet was back up on Wednesday.
Less than a month later, a large storm hit. Power was lost, and the lightning strike caused a surge that fried the server.
Where’s the “IT Guy”? Vacation.
Glad that’s not you? Could it be? To be sure that it isn’t you, put some time against thinking on these two things:
- Resource allocation of system tools and processes
- Your IT support system
Let’s start with allocation. When you’re investing in a system, budget is always a concern. How do you know where to cut corners or where a new, redefined investment is in order? Allow us one suggestion? Do NOT cut where it most impacts your ability to work!
If in your analysis you need access to the Internet at all cost, then don’t bet on a system with no guarantees. If you determine that access to the most current data is paramount and that you can wait to be online, don’t compromise on your backup solution or disaster-recovery plan, for example.
And what about support? Small businesses generally find that they really don’t need to have a support person who is accessible at all times. They generally have “a guy” who installs something, runs some cables, addresses virus problems, and takes care of other things as needed.
But one person is just, well, one person. “An IT guy” can do most of what you need – until he can’t. Just be sure he or she has the expertise – and availability – to solve the myriad of system problems that can arise (and which seem to arise for you at the same time they arise for his or her other clients).
At CloudWyze, we run numerous exercises to educate customers on how the failure of each component can impact business operations. If you need help identifying the impact that each element of your technology has on your operational capability, ask. We – and other IT services companies – will be glad to help. Just don’t wait.
We’re entering hurricane season. Now is the time to be sure you’ve padded that thin line, and your systems can withstand the tests they may be forced to withstand.
Shaun Olsen is the CEO and President of CloudWyze. CloudWyze was created to help businesses focus and perform at their optimal level by crafting and executing custom technology plans for businesses of every type and size. To learn more about CloudWyze, visit www.CloudWyze.com. Shaun can be reached at [email protected] or 910-795-1000.
