Particularly in regions prone to inclement weather, it is crucial for MSPs to prepare continuity plans that protect their business and their clients. Whether it be a hurricane, tornado or severe thunderstorm, natural disasters can seriously impair your — and your customers’ — day-to-day operations. As a dedicated MSP, it’s your job to ensure that a natural disaster doesn’t stunt your clients’ growth. Check out these 5 foolproof strategies to help you prepare for the unexpected.
1. Make a Technology Continuity Plan
The first step in preparing for a natural disaster is establishing a technology continuity plan. Start by performing regular disaster recovery tests that will anticipate any recovery vulnerabilities. You should also back up your data periodically to an off-site location or restore IT operations on the cloud. With this in mind, consider establishing a plan to evacuate crucial IT personnel to an off-site location for remote working, should local data services fail.
2. Protect Your Team and Customers
Your next priority as an MSP should be protecting your team and clients amid a natural disaster. The key to maintaining calm in a chaotic situation is clear communication. Keep your team and clients aware of the storm, its potential impact and available resources with website pop-ups and emails. It is also a good idea to designate an inland facility and temporary housing solutions for displaced employees if needed.
3. Stay in Contact With Local Clients and Partners
Yet another effective way to weather a storm or other unpredictable natural event is to maintain open lines of communication with local customers and partners. When establishing your business continuity plans, obtain alternative contact information from clients and suppliers — such as mobile numbers — so that your team can support them in their time of need. Prepare policies to manage modified order turnaround times, invoices, service visits and any other event that is likely to be adversely affected by a storm.
4. Communicate With Insurance Providers
When it comes to insurance, early communication is always best. Before a storm has the chance to hit, contact your insurers to make sure that your plan covers comprehensive business continuity rather than just outage impacts and subsequent damage. While speaking with your insurers, establish which steps your team should take in the case of a natural disaster. As is true in most situations, preparation is key.
5. Utilize Cloud Solutions
Last but not least, a fantastic way to protect your business and your clients from the fallout of a natural disaster is to make the move to the cloud. Not only do cloud solutions eliminate the risk of losing all of your clients’ data with one serious power outage, but they also allow for easy remote access and collaboration.
With over 35 years of experience helping MSPs resist the effects of natural disasters, CPU, Inc. is eager to help your team prepare for the unexpected. Connect with our experts by calling us at (866) 883-8836 or visit CloudServicesForMSPs.com today.
