Network Outages: It’s Not Just About the Bottom Line; It’s About the People Behind the Scenes Who Bear the Brunt
Camworth Insights
Category: Insights
22nd May 2024
In the fast-paced world of critical infrastructure, where downtime is not an option, navigating network outages can be one of the most stressful and costly challenges for businesses. Whether it’s a power outage, a cyberattack, or a technical glitch, the impact of downtime reverberates through organisations, affecting operations, revenue, and reputation.
Evolving Landscape
The landscape of network management has evolved significantly over the years, with businesses facing new challenges and complexities. As we delve into the challenges faced by clients, it becomes evident that outages come at a steep cost. According to a survey conducted by the Uptime Institute, half of the outages result in a minimum cost of $100,000 to businesses, with 15% leading to a staggering $1 million in total costs, encompassing direct losses, missed opportunities, and damage to reputation.
Beyond the financial implications, network outages take a toll on individuals within organisations. The all-nighters, the stress, and the pressure of resolving critical issues can lead to burnout and negatively impact employee well-being. It’s not just about the bottom line; it’s about the people behind the scenes who bear the brunt of these challenges.
Fortunately, the technological landscape has also seen advancements aimed at mitigating these challenges. Over the last decade, vendors have become more reliable, leading to fewer disruptive outages. However, the evolving nature of the workforce, exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, has introduced new complexities. With remote work becoming the new norm, managing networks spanning multiple sites and regions has become increasingly cumbersome and inefficient.
The traditional approach of sending network engineers to troubleshoot issues is becoming outdated and impractical. Businesses need solutions that are operationally efficient and cost-effective in the long term. This shift towards remote management and centralised IT functions is not only a response to current challenges but also a step towards future-proofing businesses against potential disruptions.
Additionally, the threat landscape has evolved, with cybercrime posing a significant risk to businesses. Ransomware attacks, in particular, have become increasingly prevalent, with criminals leveraging cryptocurrency to extort payments. The indiscriminate nature of these attacks means that no business is immune, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
The Silver Lining
Amidst these challenges, there is a silver lining. The paradigm shifts towards remote management and centralised IT functions, accelerated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, presents an opportunity for businesses to re-evaluate their continuity plans and adopt more resilient strategies.
Enter Out-of-Band Management (OOBM) solutions. By integrating this into network infrastructure, IT gains the ability to remotely manage and monitor the entire network ecosystem. There is no need for tedious site visits or relying on third-party technicians. Whether it’s deploying new equipment, updating security protocols, or troubleshooting issues, everything can be done remotely, saving time, resources, and headaches.
In the event of an outage or malfunction, OOBM swiftly kicks into action, seamlessly switching over to alternate connections, be it through cellular networks or secondary internet links. Meanwhile, a smart management fabric provides the support team with unparalleled visibility and control, enabling them to diagnose and rectify issues in real-time.
Working with OOBM vendors – like Opengear enable is to offer our clients with a holistic approach to network management, combining accessibility, efficiency, and security into a single, seamless package. Whether it’s a multinational corporation or a government agency, the platform provides the tools and support you need to navigate the complexities of modern network infrastructure with confidence and ease.
Are ready to enhance your remote infrastructure with expert guidance every step of the way?
Partner with Camworth for comprehensive support from planning through maintenance. Experience our solutions firsthand with a live Opengear demo and take advantage of a free trial to see the benefits for yourself. Our team is committed to understanding your needs, designing tailored solutions, and implementing them seamlessly—whether fully managed or advisory—ensuring your infrastructure meets and exceeds performance expectations.
