Facing a network outage crisis with external partners. How can you maintain seamless communication?

1 Redundant Systems

Having redundant communication systems in place is your first line of defense against a network outage. Redundancy means having backup systems that can take over in case the primary system fails. For communication, this could involve having secondary internet service providers (ISPs) or alternate communication channels such as satellite phones or radio systems. Ensure that these systems are regularly tested and that your external partners are aware of how to switch to these backup channels quickly in the event of an outage.

2 Emergency Protocols

Establish clear emergency protocols that detail the procedures for maintaining communication during a network outage. These protocols should include specific steps for switching to backup communication systems , a hierarchy of communication priorities, and designated points of contact. Make sure that all stakeholders, including external partners, are trained on these protocols and understand their roles and responsibilities. Regular drills can help ensure that everyone is prepared to act quickly and efficiently in the event of an actual outage.

3 Cloud Services

Utilizing cloud-based services can provide a buffer against network outages. Cloud services are hosted on remote servers and are generally more resilient to local network issues. By using cloud-based communication tools like email, instant messaging, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, you can maintain contact with external partners even if your local network is down. It's crucial to select reputable cloud service providers with a strong track record of uptime and to have contingency plans for accessing these services via alternative internet connections.

4 Offline Solutions

In some cases, network outages may be so severe that online communication becomes impossible. In such scenarios, having offline solutions in place can be invaluable. This could include pre-established meeting locations , use of courier services for critical documents, or even pre-arranged agreements with local radio stations for emergency broadcasts. While these may seem like last-resort options, having them planned out in advance can provide a lifeline when all other communication channels fail.

5 Communication Chain

Maintain a well-structured communication chain that defines who should be contacted first in the event of an outage and how information should be disseminated among partners. This chain should be designed to ensure that critical information reaches all necessary parties without delay. It's important to keep an updated list of contact information for all relevant personnel and to establish alternative methods of contact, such as personal mobile numbers or home phones, which might be unaffected by the outage.

6 Alternative Workflows

Finally, consider alternative workflows that can keep operations running even when communication with external partners is limited. This might involve temporary measures such as manual processing of tasks usually done online or reallocating resources to areas less affected by the outage. The goal is to maintain as much normalcy as possible, minimizing the impact on your operations and ensuring that critical functions continue without significant interruption.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?