The lights are flickering, the thunder clashes, lightening flashes, and oops, no one checked the battery backup, did they? Are you ready for summer and all that it brings with it? There is no time like the present to make sure you have a few things in order for the summer season. The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure also holds true for your practice.
If you have not tested your battery backup lately, now is the time to do so. To perform this test:
- Shut your server all the way down and power it off.
- Unplug it from your battery backup.
- Take a common house fan and plug it into the battery backup where your server was connected.
- Leave the battery plugged in, so you know the fan runs.
- Now unplug the battery backup unit from the wall.
- It will beep at you, but your fan should still be operating.
- If not, time for a new battery or a newer unit.
Note: We would recommend a new battery or replacement for units 4 years or older.
We also recommend power surge protection for your server and other computer to help protect power spikes - which is on the bad side of a power fluctuation.
This is a good time to review your insurance policy for claim status on storm damage. What is covered, what is not? Ask your software vendors what is needed in case of a reload and will it cost you? This is necessary information when reviewing your policy.
Data Backups - are they happening every day? Are they removed from the premises? Make sure you ask all staff responsible for this process to ensure you do not have any gaps.
The storm is not the time to find out if you really have a backup.
Enjoy the sunshine but beware of the rain! Prepare and you will have peace of mind next time the thunder rolls.
