We knew our client had an issue with their server before they did – so I was onsite to help them as they opened their doors this morning.
As part of the service we carry out for contracts clients we monitor their systems for any issues. This takes a variety of forms:
Automated emails
This is the most popular method we use. Any device (such as NAS and UPS boxes), servers or software that can be configured to send status reports we set up to email to an Octagon email account that staff check, first thing in the morning and throughout the day. We have a member of staff who is assigned this checking as their first task of the day, which has to be carried out before they move onto any other job.
Remote login
Every week we log into client servers to check all is operating as expected. This has highlighted many problems to us, which we can then solve before they become a crisis. We pay particular attention to the backup software and any devices that the backups depend on. These login visits are set in our calendar and documented and recorded.
Backup server checks
We check the status of client backups on our secure backup servers.
It was this system that alerted us to an issue with our client’s server last night – it had not sent us an email confirming that the backup had run. One of our engineers alerted me by text (I was at The Business Club and then he tried to log into the server without success. As this client was closed for the night the job calendar was reorganised to ensure we had someone onsite to fix or assess the problem as they opened up for business. As it was today, this was a simple fix but if the problem had been larger we would have been in the best place to help our clients out.
If you think your company could benefit from this type of support give me a ring on 07943 537804 and I would be happy to meet over coffee to discuss how we can help.
