Why is this important?

Strategic network alignment creates an ROI between investment made and protection against losses:

• Investment is Business Continuity Communications
• Protect the customers you serve
• Preserve data and systems
• Keep your reputation intact and continuously improve
• At all costs keep the supply chain flowing
• Defined internal communications and procedures allow for a coordinated recovery

Why is this important?

Automatic network failover is important and can be accomplished in one of two ways:

• BGP Routing - The protocol enables a global routing system through the Internet. BGP creates network stability by guaranteeing that routers can adapt to route failures.
• Routers maintain route tables that control how packets are directed and need to be maintained to efficiently work.
  In the event of an outage the tables will route packets over pre-established paths.
• SD-WAN or Software Defined Networking is an overlay network that is built on top of underlying network connections whether it be over fiber, broadband or LTE.
• With SD-WANs failover feature your network is up constantly. Data packets are always able to be sent over the fastest route and availability that automatically flip in the event of an outage.

Why is this important?

Are you able to determine these items from your Network Performance Monitoring tool?

• Optimal Performance - By monitoring key metrics like latency, packet loss, network traffic and bandwidth usage business can identify bottlenecks that degrade network performance.
• Issue Detection and Resolution - Monitoring enables businesses to quickly detect and address network problems before they escalate and potentially disrupt service.
• Capacity Planning and Scalability - By utilizing historical data you can accurately predict future network upgrades, investments and determine bandwidth allocation based on need or inferior application routing.
• Security and Compliance - Network Monitoring plays a key role in ensuring security and compliance. By studying network and data traffic patterns and anomalies, businesses can stop potential security breaches and unauthorized access before they happen.

Why is this important?

Be prepared, every business is different, but here is what some experts say about the ramifications of an outage from a disaster:

• 80% of companies that do not recover from a disaster within one month are likely to go out of business (Cericenter: Risk Managed Solutions, Bernstein Crisis Management).
• 75% of companies without business continuity plans fail within three years of a disaster (blindsided, T.Blyth, CEO, Crisis Management International).
• Your number one question prior to a disaster Striking, how will your company reach out and allow for effective communications with your customers?  Is my network and communication systems able to function to handle customer demands and inquiries?

Why is this important?

Performing a network audit yearly is essential for companies due to many different reasons:

• Performance Optimization - Over time network infrastructure can be obsolete and affect performance.  Network audits help to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.
• Security Enhancements - Audits can help companies detect and address security concerns such as outdated software, misconfigured devices and inadequate security policies.
• Cost Savings - Network audits help identify inefficiencies and unnecessary expenditures related to network infrastructure and carriers that have become too expensive. Tech changes fast, so do Service Providers.

Why is this important?

Developing a remote workforce communication strategy is crucial for effective contact centers, customer collaboration and productivity among remote team members and customers.  Here are some steps to help:

1. Develop Communication Objectives
2. Select Communication Tools 
3. Establish Communication guidelines
4. Encourage Video Conferencing
5. Define Bandwidth and VPN requirements for the home user
6. Provide Documentation and Resources
7. Continuously evaluate and adapt