Technology has transformed businesses in unimaginable ways, helping companies compete with big players, connect with customers across the globe, boost productivity, and skyrocket the bottom line. IT has become an essential part of day-to-day operations. Unfortunately, when IT downtime inevitably strikes, businesses face significant challenges.
IT downtime can occur for various reasons, such as virus attacks, system bugs, hardware failures, or even natural disasters. The impact of downtime is not only costly – according to Gartner, 43% of small businesses close their doors right after a major data loss, and only 6% survive long-term – but it can also damage your brand reputation. To minimize downtime duration and frequency, implementing proactive measures is crucial. Here are four ways you can avoid IT downtime and ensure your business stays up and running:
1. Use Monitored Antivirus and Firewalls
Most businesses use antivirus and firewalls, but many rely on default setups similar to home systems rather than robust professional protections. Considering that malware and cyber-attacks often target small to medium-sized businesses, upgrading to monitored antivirus and firewalls is highly recommended.
At MicroSupport, our experts set up custom protection to block known and emerging attacks. We handle all updates and implement company-wide security measures that prevent users from accidentally infecting the network. If something appears suspicious, our monitors take immediate action to protect your business.
2. Have Reliable Backups
Backups not only defend your business against digital threats like viruses and ransomware but also protect against physical threats like theft, fire, or natural disasters. A solid backup system is crucial to prevent your business from being crippled by data loss.
Our Managed Services team can handle the backup process for you. Alternatively, you can follow the rule of three if you have an on-site technician: one backup on the server, one unplugged from the server, and one off-site. With reliable backups, businesses can quickly recover recent data and continue operating normally.
3. Plan for Disaster
While anticipating a flooded office or ransomware attack is unpleasant, having a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan ensures faster recovery and reduced downtime. A clear plan outlines the necessary steps, responsibilities, and priorities in case of an unforeseen event, so your employees know what to do and who to inform.
4. Monitor Hardware for Early Signs
Computer hardware, like any equipment, provides warning signs before failure. These can manifest as unusual noises, reduced performance, or even system crashes. Identifying these early warning signs helps you take action before a crash leads to extensive downtime.
Our hardware monitoring service runs in the background, tracking metrics to predict the time until failure. If signs point to imminent failure, we will inform you and often repair or replace the affected hardware with little or no downtime.
While downtime may be an unavoidable aspect of tech-enabled businesses, proper preparation can minimize its frequency and duration. Reducing risk through proactive measures ensures that downtime remains a rare occurrence. MicroSupport’s Managed Services can take care of this for you, preventing many downtime events before they happen.
Let MicroSupport Tackle Your IT Challenges Today!
Ready to minimize your IT downtime and keep your business running smoothly? Contact MicroSupport today to discuss your options. Give us a call at 602-692-7300, or visit our website at microsupport.com to learn more about our services. Together, let’s build a more resilient and secure IT infrastructure for your business.
