Power Protection FEATURED ARTICLE

Whether it’s violent weather-related storms (such as Sandy), man-made disasters like terrorists attacks, or other pressing emergencies, without proper planning catastrophic events can lead to operational losses.

Real estate companies are among those businesses most at risk for damage to infrastructure and the inability to have adequate data recovery.

Real estate agencies and other companies need to have business continuity plans in place. That way, if one location is down or if infrastructure is damaged, businesses can continue working.

It was recommended by Ian Marlow, managing partner of FiTech Consultants, that business continuity plans use such elements as private clouds, generators and portable power.

For instance, private clouds give businesses access to data and files from anywhere on any device. As far as generators for businesses, some operate off of natural gas or diesel fuel. They can keep offices, plants or warehouses in operation in a power outage. Another key is mobile communications for use in emergencies so employees, customers and others stay informed. These vary from phone trees, group texts, automated phone messages, and e-mail blasts. Also, Wi-Fi hotspots near a business or even an employee’s residence lets users employ smartphones. Another option is cellular-capable tablets. Cellular connections for tablets increased about 50 percent in Q1 of 2013. Portable power packs and recharging systems for devices are still another option. An example is the Powerbag, which recharges smartphones. In addition, secondary Internet lines help out in emergencies.

Other important options are devices from such firms as Minuteman Power Technologies. For instance, an uninterruptible power supply will provide minutes of vital energy so data can be saved or a back-up can take place before technology shuts down. Also, the company offers external battery packs, and surge protection is helpful for obvious reasons as well.

Having flexibility is important, too. The Minuteman RPM Series 8 & 16-Port Remote Power Managers let businesses manage power for connected devices such as servers, switches, routers, modems, security devices and telephone systems – from a remote location. Locked-up devices can be reset from a PC, laptop computer, smartphone or tablet, with Minuteman products, too.

The importance of these devices can’t be overstated. An average power outage lasts some 20 minutes. An average extended power outage can last eight hours. Are you ready?