Ramsac issues wintry warning

Investing in IT the only way for businesses to sidestep potential disruption this winter, warns VAR

In a reminder that the summer is well and truly over, VAR Ramsac has launched a microsite giving hints to businesses on how they can use IT to sidestep a potential white-out during the cold season.

With disruptions caused by last year's snow estimated to have cost the UK economy £1.2bn, Ramsac managing director Robert May urged firms to review their IT systems to avoid a repeat this winter.

"Bad weather has always been a threat to businesses, but happily, modern IT communications systems are making it easier than ever to maintain near-normal services from remote locations if required," he said. "The downside is that if you are not geared up for bad weather working, your competitors probably will be, so it pays to plan ahead."

Ramsac's microsite looks at the possible problems associated with bad weather before linking them with potential ways to mitigate them and develop continuity plans.

This includes deploying remote access and unified communications solutions, the VAR said.

"When the need arises, emergency planning can easily be scheduled into the UC system so that an authorised individual can activate it remotely and communications can be relayed to staff efficiently, wherever they may be, to ensure operations remain as unaffected as possible," said May.