Latin America. The rains have arrived and in some parts of the continent the consequences of global warming and climate change are being experienced. Although they are natural phenomena that we can no longer avoid, in some cases their consequences and damages can be mitigated by carrying out some preventive actions valid for all environments, but especially for businesses in which we want to focus our attention given their relevance.
For Sam Atassi, Vice President of Tripp Lite for Latin America, the losses reported by the corporate world once these unexpected events of unpredictable magnitudes have occurred are regrettable. "Business assets built for long years are falling apart, which implies, on many occasions, starting from scratch if the provisions have not been taken to safeguard them," said the executive.
To counteract some damage, especially in electrical areas and sensitive electronic equipment in IT environments and data centers, Atassi urged users, employees and the general public to take some measures that help to overcome the consequences. Without pretending to cover all the possibilities, the executive numbered those that he considered most urgent and important.
First , Atassi expressed how crucial it is to protect and support sensitive electronic equipment (to electrical failures and blackouts). Whatever their category, small or medium-sized business, the executive pointed out that devices with electronic and processing components require UPS units. "These systems not only offer protection against variations in energy flow, but there are models that incorporate batteries to supply the supply when it fails completely," he added.
In professional environments, he pointed out that it is essential to hire specialized storage services when the volume requires it. "When data processing and storage is one of the most important assets and the reason for existence of a company or institution, it is advisable to demand external storage services with companies that enjoy prestige in the industry."
Atassi let it be known that the contracting companies not only outsource a task that allows them to concentrate on the heart of the business, but also safeguard the data in a physical space other than the company or with the adequate physical protection to be recovered after a possible natural eventuality.
He referred to cases of construction of data centers or network rooms. The specialist recommended the use of anti-seismic structures specially designed to host servers and computer equipment. "For companies located in geographic locations with earthquakes, high winds, floods and even hurricanes, it is imperative to secure all servers and IT equipment – or the most valuable – in racks or specialized cabinets."
He pointed out that there are institutions in the industry that certify that the structures comply with safety standards and in the case of racks he referred to the NEBS (Network Equipment-Building Systems) standards of Seismic Zone 4. "Cabinets that meet these specifications provide adequate strength and rigidity to remain intact in the face of vibrations and sudden or extreme movements."
Atassi stressed the importance of having insurance policies in force and even contracting broad or specialized coverage. "To the extent that business budgets allow, choose safety plans broad enough to cover damage caused by these natural phenomena and their possible electrical failures."
He also mentioned, referring to institutions with numerous physical assets and technological resources, that it will be easier and expeditious to enforce the policies if the records of goods (susceptible to be reported) are kept permanently updated.
In cases of prolonged rains or storms, he explained that it is preferable to keep only the essentials operational. "It is a simple strategy, of evaluation and rapid action in which we must disconnect what is not vital and allocate the most effective protection and support equipment to those who by their nature must continue working during the critical time that the failure lasts."
If the problem persists, or the restoration of electric service will not be done immediately due to more severe inconveniences, Atassi prescribed the use of inverters. "In any environment, but especially in business environments with critical IT systems that must remain in operation, an alternative is to provide power with a current source with the help of an inverter that are devices that convert energy conserved in a battery into alternating current (AC) which is what we use every day."
Finally, the Tripp Lite executive explained that the recommendations are valid for any time of the year. "Although we are warned annually by weather forecasters about the approach of rainy seasons, there are other unexpected phenomena, such as consequences of global warming and climate change, that cannot be warned and about which we must remain attentive taking forecasts," Said Atassi.
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