It happens more than you’d think.
Picture this: you’re about to login to your company’s online banking software to make sure those cheques got paid in, and the page won’t load. A few clicks, and then a reboot of your computer….and before long, you’re on the phone to your ISP. Ten days – and several heated phone calls – later, the ISP finally admits that one of their engineers clipped a cable up near the Tesco Express and they’re ever so sorry that you’ve been without internet service all this time.
It may sound far-fetched, but that’s a true story. What would you do if your business was without the internet for 10 days? How could you cope?
Many of us don’t realise how much we rely on the internet for the smooth functioning of our companies. From online banking, to invoicing and customer communications, it has become a vital lifeline for the modern business.
Have a plan
In the IT world, preparing for events such as major natural catastrophes or simple internet outages is often term Disaster Recovery. It also goes by the name Business Continuity. Most large corporations are required to have a Business Continuity Plan in place in order to meet regulatory standards or responsibilities to their investors. But what about small- and medium-sized businesses? Do you have a plan for your business?
One of the top questions posed by our clients is, what happens if my internet connection goes away? How can we continue to do business?
Failover
A great combination of kit which can help form part of a Business Continuity Plan for small and medium businesses is to make sure that you have a 3G modem available and a router which can allow the 3G connection to be shared with everyone in your office.
Netgear makes a 3G broadband router that will integrate with your 3G modem and allow you to have a back up internet connection should problems arise. You can also use the device for travelling, if your company hosts events or trade shows, as it gives you a fully mobile, wireless internet hot spot.
They have a list of compatible 3G modems on their site.
