Quick Strategies to Minimize Downtime During Power Outages

Discuss this Article No responses yet, be the first... Enter your comment below.

Summer brings thunderstorms and weather surprises that could knock out your company's power.  Here are some quick strategies to help minimize downtime: 

• Have a quality UPS/battery backup in place for your phone system and critical application servers.  UPS units are configured according to many variables including wattage and runtime so consult device manufacturer specifications for what your systems actual require.
• Use Power Over Ethernet (PoE) switches attached to your network UPS to keep IP handsets running (if you use non-PoE switches, have individual battery backups at each handset/desk).
• Refresh your knowledge of how to quickly call forward your phone lines.  Some carriers offer a web-based portal; others require a call into a support line.
• Have a hosted VoIP line/system for backup.  For as little as $50 per month, you can have a local phone number, complete with an Auto Attendant and pre-defined routing (i.e. to a cell phone or branch office) ready to go.  This is the number you could remote call forward to during a power outage, or some carriers can be set to auto-roll to this number.  And it's better than a cell phone alone since the Auto Attendant makes it sound like you're still in business.

TIP: After getting through a power outage, don't forget to DOCUMENT procedures used to come back up.  For example, there may be a sequence that computer equipment start-ups should follow.  Write it down so next time a power outage isn't so painful.