Your business moves at the speed of the internet but only when your network is up and running.
Network outages aren’t just annoying; they can cost your business time, money, productivity, and even customer trust. While some outages are unavoidable especially when caused by your internet service provider most disruptions stem from internal issues that can absolutely be prevented.
The good news? With smart planning and professional support, you can significantly reduce your risk of downtime. Here’s how to keep your network running reliably and efficiently.
What Causes Network Outages?
According to Network Computing, up to 80% of network outages originate from internal sources. That could mean:
- Misconfigured devices
- Accidentally unplugged routers
- Environmental hazards (tripping over cables, power surges)
- Memory or bandwidth bottlenecks
On top of that, cyberattacks are a growing concern. Around 70% of small businesses have been targeted by hackers so it’s not just technical mishaps you need to prepare for.
The solution? A proactive, layered approach to network and server management backed by expert guidance.
Step 1: Assess and Identify Vulnerabilities
After any outage, your first move should be diagnosing the root cause. Was it a hardware failure? Miscommunication? A user error?
Once the issue is identified and resolved, have your IT team:
- Run a full audit of your infrastructure
- Document potential risks
- Prioritize those risks from highest to lowest impact
With help from a trusted managed IT services provider, you can develop a roadmap for mitigation one that saves you from future downtime (and frustration).
Step 2: Invest in Network Redundancy
If your internet goes down, how long could your business function? If the answer is “not long at all”, then a redundant network setup is worth considering.
This means:
- Having a secondary internet connection through a different ISP
- Using automatic failover systems to switch connections seamlessly
- Minimizing downtime during outages or maintenance windows
While the cost is higher up front, the peace of mind and protection for mission-critical operations is often well worth the investment especially for companies relying heavily on cloud platforms or real-time communication.
Redundancy planning is a key component of solid network and server management.
Step 3: Move Critical Data to the Cloud
When files are stored locally and the network crashes, your team risks losing unsaved work or worse, corrupting entire systems.
Storing data in the cloud ensures:
- Constant backups
- Version history for files
- Easy access from anywhere (even during outages)
Cloud services also pair beautifully with managed IT services, allowing your provider to monitor performance, automate backups, and help recover files quickly in case of emergency.
Step 4: Roll Out IT Changes Gradually
Making too many changes to your IT environment at once can overwhelm your systems and your team.
Instead:
- Test updates in phases
- Roll out hardware upgrades in cycles
- Monitor performance during each change
This staged approach allows your IT partner to catch issues early, isolate variables, and avoid widespread disruptions. It’s a best practice in managed IT services, and your network will be more stable because of it.
The Bottom Line
Network outages are costly but most of them are preventable.
By taking a proactive approach with:
A steady rollout of changes you’ll keep your business running smoothly, no matter what comes your way. Regular audits and assessments Smart investments in network and server management Cloud integration.
Network outages are costly but most of them are preventable.
By taking a proactive approach with:
A steady rollout of changes you’ll keep your business running smoothly, no matter what comes your way. Regular audits and assessments Smart investments in network and server management Cloud integration.
Need a More Reliable Network?
At Vodigy Networks, we specialize in helping small businesses build secure, scalable, and dependable IT systems.
We offer:
Proactive network and server management
Expert managed IT services
Cloud integration, infrastructure planning, and monitoring
Let’s make sure your business stays connected even when things go offline.
Contact Vodigy Today
