Every season brings the threat of power failures to many businesses countrywide. Whether it is from the increase in electricity consumption in the winter months or the damaging electrical storms in summer, power shortages are rapidly becoming the norm.
Johannn Toerien from leading IT infrastructure distributor, Axiz says all businesses - particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) - should consider uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions in an attempt to cushion themselves from the impact of unreliable electricity supply.
The UPS sits between a power supply and a device such as a computer. The purpose of an UPS is to prevent undesired interruptions of the power source, such as outages and power surges, from adversely affecting your computer or your network.
"Because it has internal batteries, the UPS can provide power (for a limited amount of time) even when the power fails completely. While a few minutes may seem insignificant, if you`ve ever been in this situation, you know it gives you time to power down and save the data when a major power failure occurs," explains Toerien.
He says power problems account for over 40% of the instances of data loss in South Africa. "Regardless of which operating systems SMEs are running, and no matter how well they maintain their networks, unexpected events can place their data in jeopardy."
These interruptions result in data-processing errors, loss or damage of computer files, premature ageing of IT equipment, and interruptions to operation and the consequent loss of business.
According to Toerien, by having a device that can buy businesses a bit of "up time" (allow the computers to run temporarily) can prevent damage to or loss of data due to the power loss. "The UPS provides time for the operator, administrator, or owner to power the unit down safely without damage to the equipment or data."
The correct selection of a UPS is critical to ensure effective protection from erratic power supplies. Ultimately, when determining whether or not you need a UPS, and what type to buy, consider how much an unexpected power failure would impact your business.
All UPS units use software that must be installed and integrated with the operating system. Toerien advises that businesses should check to make certain that the manufacturer`s unit will work with their version, that there are clear instructions for installation and maintenance, and that the manufacturer is reliable and will support the hardware and software.
"Most businesses don`t understand the true value of their data until they lose it - and even then the loss is thought of more in terms of the inconvenience than the loss of intellectual property," explains Toerien. To ensure true peace of mind, Toerien encourages SMEs to deploy a UPS in addition to a frequent and process-based backup process of mission-critical data.
For more information, please contact Axiz on (011) 237 7230 or visit www.axiz.co.za.
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Axiz distributes ICT infrastructure and provides technology intelligence and innovative thinking to its business partners when they buy the quality products Axiz provides from market leaders HP, Microsoft, Intel, Kingston, LG, Lexmark, Asus, Acer, Genius and MGE, as well as its own brand Axiz. It also carries a wide range of leading brand components and solutions. Axiz is committed to living the Five Capitals Model of Sustainability and is a pioneer, innovator and leader in its sector through the implementation of its Ledibogo Programme its Business Partner Development Programme, as well as other initiatives such as founding and supporting Inqolobane (the Employee Ownership Association Africa, www.eoaa.co.za) and Qhubeka (the Motive Power Movement, www.qhubeka.com). More information is available at www.axiz.com.
MGE UPS Systems
MGE UPS Systems, an autonomous subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader of intelligent power protection solutions that improve business continuity. MGE`s innovative offer is designed to provide its customers with total protection throughout the lifetime of their mission-critical installations. For over 40 years, MGE has been developing an offer consisting of a wide range of electrical protection equipment including uninterruptible power supplies, power distribution units, complete power supply solutions for VOIP and WiFi, static transfer switches, harmonic filters, surge suppressors and advanced power management solutions. MGE PowerServices: offers personalised support, from design, implementation and operation to installation upgrading. MGE`s 3100 experts and their partners guarantee the excellence of MGE UPS SYSTEMS products and services in more than 100 countries. In 2005, MGE UPS SYSTEMS received the Frost & Sullivan "UPS Company of the Year" award.
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