What Hurricane Matthew can teach us about data center backup

The U. S. and Haiti are both recovering from the destructive effects of Hurricane Matthew. Just as homes were threatened, businesses may have also seen disruption to their data centers. Learning from this and other disasters can help companies choose the best power solutions for the future to keep their data centers functioning as well as possible.

When a hurricane is on the way, data centers can face possible power outages. Matthew may be new but the need to hurricane-proof data facilities isn't: Hurricane Sandy also posed possible recovery questions for companies in the northeast back in 2012.

In the same year, Data Center Journal warned those in the path of a hurricane to back up their data before the hurricane hits. It also recommended measures to mitigate flooding around the center, including drainage to keep any excess water from collecting. Testing all recovery systems is crucial to determine exactly how well the facility will function should things the power stop.

It's not just electricity loss that could disrupt your operations, either. This article said that the water needed to cool data center equipment could also be prevented from reaching its source. The physical location of this equipment within the center, could also make a difference, and leave it exposed to debris.

However, simply keeping backups of data may not be enough, depending on the strength of the storm. It's also important where you position your restoration systems including offsite areas which may be out of the way of the storm. Writing for ZDNet, David Gerwitz said "power isolation procedures" may be necessary when a major storm arrives.

Contact Custom Networks Inc. for the systems you need to manage a lightning surge, among other disruptions. Get the technology you need to sustain data center continuity after a significant loss.