Communication Service Providers
Practical strategies for preventing network downtime
In the age of connected systems, every business leverages either an internal or external network to run daily operations. Research shows that 97% of businesses cannot function without a network, be it their customer-facing or back-end processes.
However, businesses continuously run the risk of losing revenue due to infrastructure problems, hardware failure, software bugs and cyberattacks. In fact, a large business may lose as much as USD 5,600 per minute of network disruption. In recent years, the cumulative cost of network downtime has increased to $100,000. As a result, businesses opt for managed IT services for network downtime prevention.
This article covers network downtime reduction strategies and the benefits of managed network management.
Strategies to prevent network downtime
A network disruption can cause a loss in productivity, revenue, and reputation. The following proactive network downtime reduction strategies can save a business from its adverse effects –
Internal and external network analysis
Proactive network infrastructure analysis identifies weak links and potential threats and formulates contingency plans to prevent a business from facing downtime. Network monitoring tools work 24/7 to track the health of IT infrastructure, such as servers, applications, and networks. While the internal analysis includes routers, cables, servers, plugs, software, and power supply, the external analysis covers ISPs, gateways, cloud services, utility suppliers, and CDNs.
High-quality network equipment
High-quality equipment usually comes with comprehensive warranties and manufacturer support and is less prone to outage but has a higher price tag. Low-quality network equipment is cheaper but may present compatibility challenges and frequent breakdowns.
Redundant or backup networks
When a continuous network connection is critical, having a redundant network helps maintain business continuity. A simple switch allows the traffic to re-route through a different ISP or internal hardware. This reduces network downtime, maintains data speeds, and improves reliability.
Supplementary power source
Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is a contingency solution for networks and hardware that ensures continuous operations even during an outage. An online, standby or line-interactive UPS protects the equipment and saves you from data loss.
Cloud-based network management (SaaS infrastructure)
Network infrastructure hosted on the cloud is scalable, easily accessible, and safe from outages. It maintains multiple copies of data and can quickly shift to another network without any downtime at the customer’s end. It comes with greater security, network monitoring, encryption, data backup, and disaster recovery plans.
Robust network recovery process
Businesses must plan, document, and regularly review network recovery plans to handle outages. To start with, a business needs to review its existing infrastructure and identify the weak links. Potential network recovery steps may include unplugging and restarting the equipment, running network diagnostics, and checking the integrity of connections.
Benefits of a managed network
Network management simplifies the process of adopting downtime reduction strategies and acts as the backbone of any business. Here are some of the benefits of using managed network services –
Remote detection and remediation
Managed service providers can detect and resolve network issues remotely through Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools. This fixes the problem in real time and reduces the need for expensive on-site visits.
Disaster recovery planning
Leverage the service provider’s robust disaster recovery plans with strategies and checklists. This may include data backup and replication plans, failover solutions, backup plans for cyberattacks, hardware failure, and natural disasters for business continuity.
Preventive maintenance
This includes regular software updates, system optimisations, and security patches. These preventive measures ensure that the systems are stable, reliable, and secure and reduce the likelihood of downtime due to vulnerabilities and system failures.
Proactive performance optimisation and security
Managed service providers fine-tune hardware configurations, optimise software settings, and upgrade network infrastructure to accommodate the security requirements and bandwidth demands.
Enhanced network security
The rising complexity of networks has made it difficult and expensive for businesses to manage security internally. However, robust security measures of a managed network service provider protect you from data breaches, prolonged downtime, and system outages. They may include firewall management, endpoint protection, network intrusion detection, and security training for employees.
How can Infosys BPM help?
The Network Inventory Management System (NIMS) at Infosys BPM efficiently handles the rising complexity of networks with better CAPEX and OPEX management. A comprehensive set of modules achieves network downtime prevention through process automation and integration, multi-vendor and multi-generational networks, and much more.
Read more about network assets management at Infosys BPM.