Having a few backup computers at hand could save your business a lot of wasted time and headache. They don’t necessarily have to be new computers; they may be older computers or legacy systems that are obsolete but still usable.
Here are a few considerations for setting up a backup system for your computing needs in the workplace:
1. IT Emergencies
IT emergencies can impose themselves on businesses and private users at the most unexpected, inconvenient times. You might use an ERP system with maintenance management software, along with a CRM system on an everyday basis. Should your IT equipment undergo a malfunction, your operations could be interrupted for hours, or even days.
Have you considered what this may do to your business and its product or service commitments? Without a stopgap system that quickly lets you get back on board, your business could lose valuable time and experience extended delays.
2. A Stopgap System
The right stopgap system will depend on your current business requirements. Generally, you’ll probably want at least one or two computers that are linked to the intranet, or have the capacity to be quickly linked to the intranet in the case of emergency.
These extra computers might be brand new computers, or they may be older equipment in good condition. You perhaps won’t need to provide a replacement computer for every single staff member; this would probably be impractical, as well as expensive. Instead, your stopgap system might only have a few computers that will allow you to conduct the essentials during an emergency.
If you’re using equipment, regular checks could ensure that your backup computers are still adequate for any emergency requirements. If you have a more complicated IT network or system, you should check with your IT service technician about how you can set up these additional computers or perhaps reinforce your server to improve backup facilities in the case of an emergency.
3. Regular Backups
Whether it’s private client information, a client database, or work files and folders, most businesses will want to conduct regular backups for their data to avoid losing valuable information, in the case of a system crash or security compromise.
Some businesses use “cloud-based backup and storage services”. Others utilise “on-site backup and security systems”. What’s important is for your business to have an adequate backup system and to utilise it regularly to back up your precious data. Your backup policy may be in the form of a formal process that’s carried out by staff members every day or as an automated process that’s inbuilt in your IT system.
4. IT System Maintenance and Servicing
IT systems, including both hardware and software, can develop bugs and weaknesses over time. This can make your IT infrastructure more prone to breaking down, freezing or crashing. To reduce the risk of this, have your system serviced on a regular basis.
You could supplement your stopgap system with a regular IT system maintenance and servicing program. IT servicing involves a lot of technical know-how and tools; it’s often hard to do yourself if you don’t have an IT background.
For example, your IT servicing technician might utilise different tools to review your system and test it for any security vulnerabilities, such as:
- Terminal emulation
- Penetration testing
- Ethical hacking
