Tips to Make Your Business Winter Ready

Hacks and Ransomware Attacks often catch the headlines for their wide impact and compromised data.  However, for many businesses located in colder climates, a very real threat to their daily operations revolve around the worst winter weather, much of which is still ahead of us.  Inclement winter weather can lead to disruptions in your normal business. In fact, the latest 2017 Economic Report of the President indicates weather-related incidents cost the US economy $1 Billion Dollars annually.

While the cost is staggering, it is important to recognize that Mother Nature can inflict great downtime and damage to your business.  The worst is that most weather-related downtime can be completely avoidable.  With the right tools and the right help from an experienced IT professional, like TSI, your business will be able to weather any storm.

Here are a few tips to remember while preparing your business:

Establish Emergency Call Rerouting

We have a “Never Closed” approach, mostly because our clients expect nothing less than 24/7/365 support from our Help Desk.  By creating an “Inclement Weather” message and/or rerouting your office calls, your business can efficiently and effectively answer incoming calls remotely.

Many modern phone systems have both features available.  We recommend a VOIP solution, so long as it is properly configured to prevent common security risks.

Tip: Consider installing a commercial generator for your office to keep the power on, and business open during an outage.  Many commercial generators are installed outside the building and run on natural gas, so there is no need to refuel.

Explore Work from Home Options

If your business hasn’t already developed remote access for users and their mobile devices, it would be a good time to start.  Even when winter weather prevents us from reaching the office, we’re able to service clients’ while answering calls from a remote location.

Network Security and Data Protection however, should always be kept in the forefront of your mind when establishing access points.  Mobile devices are notoriously exploited when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, compromising an otherwise secure network.

Disaster Recovery & Cloud Computing

We’ve discussed the considerations of implementing a Cloud-Based Network Infrastructure before, but as more and more of us find ourselves utilizing the cloud, why not consider taking advantage of it when winter weather threatens to create downtime for your business.

Deploying a solid cloud or hybrid-cloud solution allows your business to have a seamless failover in place.

Tip: It is important to maintain proper temperature and moisture control in your server room due to the highly-advanced computer cards and systems which produce significant heat. Have your HVAC system integrated with the backup generator to ensure your machines are not in a high temperature environment or experience too much moisture.

Help from the Experts

There are a variety of vital components you should keep in mind when optimizing your business to operate during rain, snow, and shine.  Such as, how long your business can survive without access to network data during a storm?  What if the weight of compacted snow collapses your building’s roof?

This is where having an expert to answer questions, as well as develop a complete recovery plan come into place.  TSI is here to make the process as simple, easy, and economical as possible.

To learn how we can help your business prepare for winter, or any disaster, Contact Us today!