A lot can go wrong in a day. Business operations are running along seamlessly and suddenly something pops up. Whether it’s an inconvenience like a snarl in your supply chain or something more catastrophic like a system failure, the problem is affecting just about every aspect of your business. Identifying the key characteristics of single points of failure is crucial if you want to be able to meet unexpected challenges. So what signs should you be watching for?
Potential Signs of a Single Point of Failure
A single point of failure (SPOF) happens when an issue pops up affecting the overall performance and functionality of a business’s system. A SPOF can happen just about anywhere but tends to impact infrastructure, technology, and business processes. For example, you forgot to back up your supply chain data and the necessary server is down.
SPOFs can also occur in systems with multiple interconnections. If one connection experiences a problem, there’s usually an issue with everything else. Since a single point of failure can be catastrophic for businesses, being able to identify vulnerabilities is crucial for a smooth operating process.
Bottlenecks in Operating Systems
Sure, computers can process data at essentially the speed of light. This may sound trite but your operating system can handle large amounts of data in seconds. Since your business essentially runs on data, you don’t want your operating systems slowing down. When this happens, bottlenecks can happen.
Instead of getting instant reports and immediate access to critical data, you’re sitting around twiddling your thumbs waiting for the system to eventually respond. An even worse scenario is if your system crashes. If you haven’t backed up the data, you may be out of luck. Constantly backing up data and relying on multiple servers can be an effective way of mitigating this potential SPOF.
Dependance on Specialized Resources
Unique and specialized resources have their advantages. Proprietary systems can often be tailored to meet your business’s specific needs. Relying on a single service provider whether it’s for WiFi or a cloud model can make it easier to develop relationships. You may even get a great deal on the supplier’s services, but you’re also setting yourself up for a potential SPOF.
Remember how we keep mentioning backups? This also applies to your resources. Instead of relying on a sole service provider, have backups ready to jump in if an SPOF occurs. Yes, this may seem like an unnecessary cost. Why pay for more than one service provider? The answer is pretty clear when an issue occurs and your business isn’t dealing with any costly downtime.
Ignoring Redundancy
Okay, redundancy has its place. You probably don’t need umpteen copies of the same data. This can create a whole new host of potential issues. However, having backups for all of your infrastructure and operating processes is key. This should also be a standard part of your business’s disaster recovery plan (DRP).
A good tip is to store your backups offsite. You even have a few options. You can store the data in a location offsite your business owns or go through a service provider. You may also want to explore the various cloud models. A private cloud can be a secure and affordable storage option. Your data is still accessible even if your servers are on the fritz.
Failing to Update Technology
Chances are you replace your phone pretty much every time a new model comes out. You’re not so much replacing your phone just to have the latest model. Instead, you’re taking advantage of the various tech updates. Everything from the operating system to security features is typically improved. Did you know this isn’t limited to your handheld devices?
Technology isn’t just advancing, it’s rapidly growing and changing. Just look at the emergence of AI. You may feel sticking with older operating systems and other technology is a cost-saving option. After all, the system boots up and still works so why change something that’s not broken?
Since your technology is outdated, it’s more vulnerable to SPOFs. You may not be receiving firmware updates or even support. While updating existing infrastructure is expensive, you also see a return on your investment. Instead of dealing with system vulnerabilities, your business is operating efficiently.
Avoiding Catastrophic System Failures
Your business can mitigate most SPOF threats but it’s probably going to take some time and effort. However, being able to identify and avoid most types of SPOFs is well worth the work that goes into the process.
