What’s the secret to minimizing downtime? The answer is an effective break-fix model, a thorough security strategy, and proactive IT management from a qualified managed service provider (MSP)!
Time is money. Even one hour of downtime can hinder your bottom line. When it comes to business, the technology is the engine that drives the entire operation. So, if your IT system shuts down, how will you respond? If you’re not careful, you might lose everything that holds value. Yes, power outages are scary, but they’re usually linked to preventable dangers.
This blog uncovers the basics of proper IT management. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preventing unplanned outages, lost sales, and frustrated employees.
IT Downtime Prevention Best Practices
System failures are critical concerns, but they shouldn’t cause you to lose sleep. It’s easy to minimize system failures with just a few proactive steps. Here’s what you have to do:
Backup Your Data
Data restoration is one of the most vital parts of your business’s IT strategy. Business data is always at its most vulnerable during outages. If the IT system shuts down, critical documents are more likely to end up in the wrong hands. That can be prevented with an effective proactive backup strategy. When a server goes down, you can reduce damage if you get it back online quickly. For best results, consider automated cloud support, and managed service protection. This keeps your data safe and secure in an offsite data center.
Inspect Your Facilities
You don’t always need to bring on an IT specialist to save the day. Dangers to your infrastructure occur in physical and digital avenues. The good thing is that most of these dangers can be easily patched up on your own. Monitor your facility frequently to ensure the environment is in good shape. Check for broken wires, loose cables, airflow blockages, and any other hazards that could create risks to your hardware. If you’re not sure what to look for, contact your MSP to create a checklist.
When a server goes down, you can reduce damage if you get it back online quickly. For best results, consider automated cloud support, and managed service protection.
Monitor Your Devices
Your MSP shouldn’t be the only one looking after your infrastructure. While a 24/7 monitorization strategy is a wise investment, you can prevent a lot of mistakes with a little due diligence of your own. Regularly monitor the health status of your firmware. Keep your eyes peeled for potential red flags like slow load speeds and a lack of data space. And pay special attention to the server. If it reboots itself, that’s a clear sign that something’s wrong. Network monitoring software provides a special layer of protection to prevent these things from happening.
Launch Updates
You’re always better off when you stay ahead of the curve. It’s easy to leverage the best out of your technology when you activate regular security updates. For best results, install updates and patches for operating systems, hardware, and applications. In the long run, this will help you maintain better health and stability for all your devices. Just make sure you have a schedule planned for each update. Some installations take a considerable amount of time to perform, so launch them before you spend time away from your desk.
Partner With a Helpdesk Service
If all else fails, a trusted MSP can help walk you through the fire. But make sure you choose the right partner. Never settle for an MSP that doesn’t have an emergency support team. When you sign a service agreement, make sure you have helpdesk support in case you have to deal with a situation outside of normal business hours. The best partners won’t just troubleshoot the minor issues for you—they’ll also step in to lend a hand when more serious matters arise. Should your IT system shut down at an abnormal time, your helpdesk partner will be available to deliver the proper remedy.
Cut Downtime Cost From Your Budget
When it comes to network efficiency, the experts at Computer Technology Management Services (CTMS) know what it takes for you to get your infrastructure in tiptop shape. We won’t let your business suffer in the wake of a system failure. As a team of problem solvers, we work tirelessly to minimize technology’s greatest threats. The downtime cost per hour is an expensive margin, one that we refuse to let our clients get comfortable with.
If you’re worried about inefficiencies and the backlash of downtime, then our helpdesk is available for support. Just give us a call to schedule an IT evaluation with one of our certified experts!
