Tech-Savvy Survival: Preparing Your New Mexico Business

Ramona
59 minutes ago
2 min read

Living in New Mexico is pretty amazing, isn't it? The stunning landscapes and vibrant culture make it a wonderful place to call home or run a business. But, of course, we do have to contend with the occasional wildfire or flooding. When these challenges pop up, they can make anyone a bit hesitant about setting up shop here. But don't worry—we're here to help you get prepared!

While it's tough to predict exactly what fire season will bring, we've put together a handy guide to help keep your business running smoothly, even if disaster strikes. Dive in with us as we explore the tech considerations you'll need to keep in mind.

Going Remote During a Wildfire

Remember how COVID-19 reshaped the way we work, pushing us to explore remote operations? Businesses had to quickly adapt with tools like VPNs, Remote Desktops, and SharePoint. This shift has actually helped many businesses become better prepared for local disasters.

Here's a quick checklist to help you plan for remote work:

Email - Are you using cloud or on-premise?
Core Business Systems - Are they hosted in the cloud or on-site? If on-site, how will you access them? Through remote desktop or another method?
Shared Data - Cloud-based or on-premise?
Team Collaboration - Using Microsoft Teams, email, or relying on face-to-face interaction?
Phone Calls - Is your system traditional or VoIP?
Physical Servers - How will you access your server if your setup isn't ideal?
SSL VPN - Do you have enough licenses, and can your firewall handle the load?
Connectivity - Are secure remote tools in place?

Actionable Steps to Get Ready

While we can't foresee every detail when a wildfire threatens your area, we're here to help you prepare your business as best as we can. Here are some proactive steps and tech tips you can tackle today:

Create a Disaster Recovery Plan - Plan for the worst-case scenarios.
Inventory Your Tech - Keep a list of all your office technology.
Network Documentation - Ensure your IT manager or consultant has and can provide this information.
Offsite Data Backup - While onsite backups are common, offsite backups are crucial.
Test Your Backup - Have your IT team verify it's working and your data is recoverable.
Remote Work Readiness - Identify which operations can go remote if needed.
Staff Communication - Ensure everyone knows the plan if office access is disrupted for days or weeks.
Equipment Checklist - Share with all staff.
Practice Remote Work - Smooth out any issues before a real outage strikes.
IT Team Preparedness - Make sure your team can handle server outages or tech recovery post-storm. If your IT resources are limited, form a relationship with a larger support group.
Phone Forwarding - Set calls to forward to a cell, alternative number, or test softphone/software if possible.

Computer Corner in Albuquerque, is here to help you get through whatever comes your way. Let’s make sure your business is ready to face any challenge with confidence! Reach out to your Computer Corner tech advisors today.