The risk that extreme weather events will impact companies’ operational and technology footprints continues to increase as climate change increases the frequency of such events. Therefore, backing up critical data is no longer enough to protect an organization. Instead, an organization’s internal technology is mission-critical, especially when the cloud is unavailable in a disaster.
Storms, cyclones, floods, wildfires, and other extreme weather events can have catastrophic consequences for a business. Therefore, their potentially devastating effects must be considered in any organization’s risk management calculations and mitigations, especially as digital transformation continues to evolve enterprises.
The rise of distributed computing has led many organizations to move all or part of their computing workload from internal devices to the cloud or the edge. However, these resources can be inaccessible during a major disaster, forcing companies to rely on their in-house technology.
In addition, teams can be forced to work without specific resources, such as:
Power: A natural disaster can affect access to electricity, damage local wiring, or force companies to run on backup generators with a finite fuel supply. Connectivity: In the event of a power outage, Wi-Fi and cellular coverage may also be affected and unavailable. While analog radio backups can help fill communication gaps without cellular service, they may not always be available. Backups: Interrupted access to distributed computing and the cloud means that internal devices will likely carry an organization’s computing workload.
Technology must bypass intermittent or unreliable power supplies and connectivity for critical industries. They also need powerful and reliable computing capabilities that reduce the risk of overheating or freezing under load and extensive data storage that can be replaced without operational interruption.
Robust devices bridge the gap.
The effects of a natural disaster could be devastating and internal technology for consumers, businesses, or enterprises is unlikely to be robust enough to withstand extreme weather events. By comparison, fully rugged devices are purpose-built to withstand exposure to the elements, providing the flexibility and capabilities businesses need in the wake of disaster. They can help to ensure maximum availability.
However, not every robust device is built the same. Because a device is labeled as rugged, that’s not always the case; consumer or corporate suppliers often develop a supposedly robust device that does not have the required real functions. Organizations should consider the following elements to determine whether a powerful machine will meet their needs after a disaster:
Certifications: Rugged devices must be IP65 or higher certified to withstand extended rain and MIL-STD-810H rated to withstand widespread abuse. Rugged support: Rugged devices should offer reliable, long battery life and, ideally, a multi-battery design with hot-swap capabilities. Hence, they never need to be plugged in or interrupted during use. It is also recommended that you find a supplier that offers a compatible battery charging hub to reduce the risk of electrical and fire hazards. Regarding connectivity, devices should be able to use all available Wi-Fi technology, have mobile backup capabilities, and offer a GPS module. Comprehensive Security: Extreme weather and natural disasters don’t provide a grace period for security risks, so organizations should invest in robust devices that offer multiple security features, such as password protection, facial recognition, or smart card reading.
Rugged devices should also offer features such as large, bright screens to ensure information can be seen clearly during a huddled briefing, even in broad daylight, without being too large to be impractical as a mobile device. They should also have a lifespan of at least five years and be supported by a lot of data storage and computing power.
For devices to survive a disaster scenario, organizations must look for certified rugged devices that provide a stable, all-in-one mobile solution that is highly resistant to stress and damage. This functionality and support is rarely found in off-the-shelf enterprise equipment, so seeking a robust specialist who can deliver technology tailored to an organization’s strong needs is essential.
