How Much Does Business Downtime Cost?

how much does business downtime cost

If IT support isn’t available round the clock, then you can barely call it support. Because of the nature of IT problems, responding to a situation a day or two later just isn’t good enough. Businesses have to move along with their operations and they can only do so if they receive IT support immediately.24-7-support

A report by Emerson Network Power found information regarding the costs of business downtime. The report states that the average cost of data center downtime is now $7,908 per minute, up from $5,617 in 2010. In addition, the report lists the most common and costly reasons for data center downtime:

  • IT equipment failure
  • Cyber crime
  • UPS system failure
  • Water incursion
  • Generator failure
  • Inclement weather
  • Accidental human error

Chances are that if you own a small business, you don’t have your own data center. Many businesses now use hosted cloud computing services so they don’t have to purchase and manage their own data center.

But that doesn’t mean that the downtime cost doesn’t apply to small businesses. Data center downtime has considerable effect on small businesses and should be kept as low as possible.

This is exactly why it’s so important for IT support companies to be available all of the time. Each minute or hour of business downtime is so costly. If they wait till the next day to respond, thousands of dollars will already have gone down the drain.

At 4 Corner IT, we offer hourly support to assist businesses with immediate service. We understand that you want to resume business operations as soon as possible, and it’s our goal to make this a reality. We cover a variety of issues, such as:

  • Server repair
  • Network outages
  • Network down
  • General network support
  • Network lag
  • Recurring issues
  • Failure to complete on-going project, or costly delays

If you would like more information about IT support, contact us.

Types of Computers: From the Stationary Desktop to Mobile Technology

types of computers from the stationary desktop to mobile technology

History shows that the types of computers available have evolved quickly in just the last decade than they have in the entire history of the computer. Ever since the computer’s earliest days, the intention has always been that we’d be forever tied down to a desk when working on one. Now it’s strictly a personal preference as mobile devices become the standard in how we use a computer while on the go.

Despite types of computer still evolving at the time of this blog, where we’re at now can tell you a lot about the past as well as where we’re going. For a business using the “Bring Your Own Device” policy, you should be aware of all the types of computers in your company and how much IT support they may need.

Desktop Computers

The desktop is still very much alive, despite so many critics saying desktops are going extinct in favor of mobile devices. Many people still prefer working on a desktop since not all mobile devices have the features yet that desktops do. That mostly comes down to speed and storage capability.

We all know desktops have Mac and PC adherents. Both are still equal, though it’s true that those who use Windows on PC’s are going to be more vulnerable to viruses. This isn’t to say Apple’s Macs aren’t also vulnerable, and may be more so in the future as more viruses are made to attack Mac’s operating systems.

The good news is that desktops are much cheaper than laptops or even some mobile devices. Many are also much less bulky, especially the recent iMacs, despite costing more.

Laptops

Your company no doubt has laptops around, even if they’re slowly starting to integrate with tablet devices. That hasn’t happened fully yet, and a laptop can still be either useful or a burden, depending on how you use it. Most of them (like Apple’s MacBook Pro) are very light and thin, yet still quite expensive for attaining those qualities.

These can also be vulnerable to viruses because of the constant connecting to other devices, plus Wi-Fi threats from intruders. Security in those departments can be very lax in some companies without certain IT policies.

Smartphones

Still called “mobile phones”, a smartphone has turned into something resembling a smaller computer. Internet surfing is now standard on smartphones as well as gaming capability. So far, not many people use them for work, unless it’s for email or texting.

They’re frequently included in the BYOD policies in companies where they can be very vulnerable. One reason is because some companies don’t realize how many of their employees are using a smartphone for their work. This lack of accountability can make your own smartphone all the more prone to hackers or other cyber threats.

Tablets

The iPad is arguably the greatest invention in mobile computing ever invented to date. Yet, they already have plenty of competition in the world of tablets. In another decade, we may all be using something quite different, especially in integrating with the capabilities of a laptop. This doesn’t stop many people from using tablets for their work thanks to touchscreen capability and easy access to multimedia. An iPad has probably been used at least once in nearly every company worldwide, whether for personal work, or for presentations.

In things we designate a computer, you could also call a server the same thing. They’re really the backbone of where we store everything. A company has to rely on servers, and they need to be maintained by technicians who know how to protect your data.

Even gaming consoles are considered a computer, even if they weren’t really considered that way before. Many now offer Internet browsing capability, which means they may be starting to slowly evolve into something more comprehensively useful.

You’re going to need a good IT service to help monitor and take care of these devices. We can do that for you here at 4 Corner IT with our IT support, backup, and cloud storage capability. We have you covered from every angle. We’re also consultants so we can give you real-world field experience on preventing problems before they happen.

Contact us so we can help monitor all the above computers being used in your company. We’ll make sure they’re fully protected so you won’t have to worry about chaos when something goes wrong.

Take your business to the next level with IT consulting

take your business to the next level with it consulting

There are many signs and traits that indicate that it’s time to quit working for someone else. It’s time to start building your own business. A recent article from Entrepreneur stated this. Included in those are the notions that you’re a born leader. Additionally, a thrill seeker who is ready to break free and do what you enjoy. Being tired of feeling underwater, being passed on for promotions, or feeling like you’re going no where in your job are other signs you mightconsulting be ready for your own business.

Fortunately, if you feel like it’s time to take the plunge, you won’t have to go it alone. Between help and advice online from people who have succeeded in starting businesses and loan programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration, you have more information and assistance available to you than generations of business owners in the past have had. In addition, the IRS offers tax incentives that you, as a small business owner, can avail yourself of as well.

When it comes to the resources you need to make this seed of an idea grow into a complete and thriving business, don’t forget that you will also need IT support. Businesses rely on technology just as much as the customers they serve do. If you’re starting a small business in South Florida, consider IT consulting services from 4 Corner IT as an important part of your business plan.

We will tailor an IT plan around your needs and budget. With ten years in the business, 4 Corner IT has seen many success stories. We hope to see your success story too, and to be an important part of it. For more information on our IT consulting and other services that we can provide for an affordable flat fee, contact us.

Accessible IT Service : It’s Crucial to a Company’s Success

Accessible IT ServiceIt’s 5:30pm in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and your team is down to the wire… putting the finishing touches on the presentation for the new client you’re aiming to land first thing in the morning.

The team has worked tirelessly for the last two weeks and they’re ready to win big. There’s already talk of where the celebratory drinks will be had tomorrow night. At that new restaurant and bar on Las Olas.

You’re just about to remind the team that 2 more hours of their undivided attention means that you can all go home at a reasonable hour. Then, the lights and computers all snap off simultaneously.

Your stomach turns over and suddenly there’s a lump in your throat. After what seems like an eternity (but could have been 2 minutes), the lights come back on. Your heart slows just a bit as the team starts firing up computers again… but something is wrong. The system isn’t connecting to the data you need.

You take a deep breath – no problem, that’s why you outsourced that new IT company, right? You pick up the phone and start dialing. However, the rings on the end of the line are rolled over into a general voicemail. The unimaginable happens when you hear the recording that reminds you their offices close at 5:00pm… but if you leave a message, they’ll return your call promptly the following business day! As your head starts pounding, your palms get clammy – how will you fix this mess and get back to finishing up tomorrow’s presentation?

Don’t let this scenario be your nightmare! Thus, having access to a 24/7/365 accessible IT service is absolutely crucial to your company’s success. Problems strike at the worst times, and you never see them coming! Let 4 Corner IT help you create an emergency and backup plan for your office – contact us now.

At 4 Corner IT we help our customers 24/7/365, for events like this, we always have an accessible IT service ready to get your business back up and running quickly!

Information Security and Disaster Recovery : How to Protect Your Business From Mother Nature

For many businesses, large or small, technology has been proven to boost productivity and make processing information easier and easier. And for many businesses, this reliance on tech can make facing a natural disaster a rude awakening.

Average Disaster Recovery Comix

In Florida, where our main headquarters is located, these natural disasters usually consist of category 3+ hurricanes with a small chance of flooding in a moments notice – giving us the “incentive” to take our information security and disaster recovery seriously. Wherever your from, however, this type of planning can save your business’ time, money, and even its life. Here are some things you should keep in mind:

1) As always, the key focus here is to develop a contingency plan. This plan should not only detail what management personnel should do in the case of an emergency but how and when. For a reference guide in making such a contingency plan, check out the N.I.S.T. and their whitepaper Special Publication 800-34 detailing what a business should do before the cost of downtime outweighs the cost to recover.

2) Whatever Disaster Recovery Plan you come up with, remember: always assess the dangers that may occur in your geographical area. This involves stepping back and determining the protection your company needs from an external and internal viewpoint. Always weigh the benefits of having a strong insurance policy and determine where pricey tech should be located. For example, a business within a heavily flooded area would think twice before placing their server room in their office’s basement just as a business with frequent blackouts would invest in consistent backup logs and generators.

3) In some cases, even the best of planners cannot foresee a disaster that could cripple or maim business operations. In these instances, however, you can still take precautionary measures to secure and recover your equipment until events have passed. In the case of a large-scale disaster, plan a business strategy that will determine if and when you can get back up and running – this involves letting your clients know if their services will or will not continue. Also, plan an alternate site location for your tech to be stored and secured – both from the elements and looters who can often take advantage of disabled and vulnerable businesses.

Bad Disaster Recovery Plan Comix

4) Above all else, make sure your employees have adequate preparation in the case of a disaster. Many businesses often overlook their workforce in times of plenty, but when all else fails, your employees can be the ones to bring your business back to its feet. Employ safety guidelines and develop a handbook especially in routine seasons when storms and temperature changes increase. All the effort you put into protecting your employees and your resources is what makes your business stronger and disaster recovery much more efficient.

For 4 Corner IT support pertaining to disaster recovery, check out our disaster recovery services page or contact us to talk to one of our business and technical administrators.