With the increasing reliance on technology in business, IT downtime is a serious concern for companies. What causes downtime, and how can you prevent it? Read on to learn more!

Causes of IT Downtime

IT downtime can happen due to a number of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

Old Hardware – The older it is, the more likely it is to fail. Older hardware may be incompatible with newer software and systems that you need to operate.

Software Failures – Whether it’s an untested security patch or a malware attack, if your software fails, it can bring down your entire system.

Human Error – Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes these mistakes can cause your IT systems to go down.

Configuration Errors – If your hardware or software isn’t configured correctly, it can cause far-reaching errors in your IT systems.

Natural Disasters – Severe storms can cause power and network services to go out.

Regardless of the cause, IT downtime can be costly, with some estimates saying the average cost of downtime is $5000 for every minute your system is down.

Prevention Strategies

While you may not be able to fully prevent IT downtime, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your systems going down, and minimize the damage when they do.

Monitoring your systems is a key step. By monitoring your systems and your network, you can be alerted to any warning signs that your system may fail, such as a high memory usage or unexpected reboot. Automated systems can help streamline this process by periodically checking your devices.

You should also perform regular updates to both your hardware and your software. Check for install patches regularly to keep everything up to date and running smoothly. Preventative maintenance can prevent problems before they occur. Be sure to replace aging hardware to ensure compatibility with your newer technologies.

Backup your data regularly and test that your backups are working. That way when something goes wrong, you can recover your data quickly.

When your IT systems go down, it can cripple your business. At best, it’s an inconvenience – at worst, it can cost you thousands of dollars. Having a plan to prevent and recover from downtime is essential.

Give us a call and ask us about our business continuity solutions to help reduce the risk of downtime for your business!