Computer Maintenance & Repair

Make Sure your Backup Game Plan is Set!

One of the things that make a disaster so catastrophic is the lack of notice before it occurs. If a server fails catastrophically and its data becomes unreadable, it is unlikely to send out a reminder before data is lost into the abyss. For these reasons, ensuring that data is backed up regularly should be a top priority in businesses.

Whether affected by a natural disaster or something manmade, the results can be equally damaging if swathes of company data are lost. Large companies will probably be able to survive such a catastrophic loss of data but probably not without taking a hit on status and profits. According to industry analysts, around 50 percent of smaller organizations would not survive a catastrophic loss of data.

It is no surprise that data protection systems are increasingly important to businesses. But it is vital to not just assume that everything is fine when a backup system is in place. Around a third of companies never check their backups. It is vital to ensure that backing up data is carried out accurately, otherwise it becomes worthless. Around 77 percent of companies who have tested the accuracy of their backups have noticed errors. Thankfully, these errors were spotted before the backed-up data was required.

It is a good idea to have more than one backup in place. If the backup is backed up, it affords an extra layer of protection for data. Similarly, users in a business can follow some hints and tips to help ensure the systems work effectively.

If any weird noises are heard from a hard drive, the computer should be shut down immediately. Attempting to power up a computer with a faulty hard drive can lead to data being destroyed, potentially irreparably. The machine should be left alone and technical support called in.

It’s HalfTime – A good time for a Full System Audit!

Great Lakes Computer is an authorized partner with Dell AppAssure, the #1 Disaster Backup and Recovery Software on the Market.  Perform our FREE full system audit today, so you don’t get shocked by a “Lights Out” situation, allowing the competition to regain some momentum!

Companies sticking with legacy systems are far from alone

The common perception of business IT systems is that firms both large and small generally strive to be on the cutting edge of technology – adopting flat-screen panel monitors, for example, long before such items became a common item for use with home PCs. The reality in the business world, however, is often quite different. Many businesses choose to maintain some of their most critical computing functions on legacy systems that are outmoded by any definition of the term. This practice, in fact, is far more widespread than is commonly believed.

The reasons for keeping a legacy system, such as the IBM AS400, in operation are based on two factors of intense interest to any business destined to survive: risk and cost. Replacing a legacy system merely because more powerful alternatives now exist can be problematic because at a basic level, it boils down to fixing something that is not broken. As long as a legacy system continues to perform its core function competently, both SMBs and large corporations often see no reason to make a change.

Risks of legacy system replacement

In large part, this is because any change inevitably involves risk. No matter how much is known in advance about a new system, surprises tend to pop up once it is installed and goes into operation. Common shortcuts that workers have grown used to may no longer be available, and there may be nothing comparable in the new system. This can reduce efficiencies in processing daily workflow. Companies that have changed software or hardware platforms before are well aware of this phenomenon and are understandably reluctant to give up the known for the unknown.

Costs of legacy system replacement

Even if a new system ends up containing no such “gotchas,” a legacy system still represents a level of in-house expertise that has grown up over the years to become a part of the company culture. New employees can be quickly and efficiently trained to use a legacy system because they will be surrounded by experts at using the system. Replacing a legacy system, however, means incurring significant training and re-training costs. All workers will have to start from scratch and it will be years before a comparable level of expertise develops. This training period also represents costs in terms of efficiency and workflow; until workers are fully competent with the new system, glitches, errors and other problems are only to be expected.

Meeting maintenance needs

Companies that avoid the costs and risks associated with replacing legacy systems will need to be sure to arrange for a competent third party repair firm to assist them on an as-needed basis. This is best done sooner rather than later in order to avoid surprises from an OEM that is no longer supporting a given system.

Many third party repair firms offer varying and customizable contract levels, and will save you money over the high costs OEM’s charge for similar services.  Learn how Great Lakes Computer can save you 50% with convenient maintenance plans for any budget.

Great Lakes Computer is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau.  There are many misconceptions about what the BBB does for consumers and for businesses, and we found this blog article on their consumer blog very interesting and helpful:

Consumer Misconceptions about the Better Business Bureau:  “A big part of what we do is to provide tips on how to make more informed and conscientious decisions regarding purchases, identity theft, and online safety…” Read more…

While you are at the BBB site, check out Great Lakes Computer’s A+ BBB ranking.  We are proud of our complaint free status!  We also put together a video for the BBB you may want to check out on our Youtube channel.