Do you need an extra workstation? It might seem surplus to requirements and just an unnecessary additional expense. In fact, a spare PC is routinely recommended in business continuity plans. It’s all about being prepared for unforeseen problems that can disrupt day-to-day operations.
Useful Backup
A spare workstation is a useful backup for any workplace. A computer may need hardware repairs or upgrading. Perhaps there’s a software glitch. Maybe you’re hanging around while you wait for updates to install themselves. There are plenty of situations where you or your staff are wasting time waiting to get back to work. It can add up to many hours of lost productivity that few businesses today can afford.
Save On Time And Money
The time and money that can be lost from downtime can be avoided by having an extra workstation on hand ready for use. It needn’t be expensive. A basic computer with enough resources to run mission-critical applications should be adequate to keep things ticking over. If you’re a growing company and regularly refresh your hardware then it might be as simple as hanging on to an older PC. If it involves buying an additional machine then you don’t need one that’s state-of-the-art.
BYOD? Be Sure It’s Secure
Of course, you could rely on BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). That can work fine because most of your employees will probably have a laptop or tablet that can plug a temporary gap and keep operations going. However, if you go this route, you’ll want to make sure that proper security measures have first been implemented, before allowing a personal device to access company files.
Manage visitor security and access
An extra workstation is also useful for managing security and access if you have visitors. Perhaps you need to show an external partner some of your company’s data and materials. A spare terminal allows people access to your networks securely and quickly.
An extra workstation is ideal if all your work-related files and applications are stored on a company server or using cloud storage, not on an individual PC’s hard drive. In this scenario, all that’s required to keep your project moving forward is another terminal to access the software and data.
Take advantage of virtual desktops
If all your applications are running over a network, then you can easily add another workstation by taking advantage of a new development in computing: virtual desktops and thin client technology. A thin client is a terminal without a hard drive. Workstations with thin clients have many advantages, including capital outlay and energy costs, because they use a fraction of the power needed to run a PC.
An additional workstation isn’t a luxury. It’s a cost-effective strategy to enhance efficiency and productivity – and a way to avoid the frustrations that technology can sometimes throw at us all. For more tips on how to protect your assets with a bulletproof business continuity plan, give Quikteks a call at (973) 882-4644.