Expect the unexpected

No one likes when their internet access goes down. But, how would you feel if it happened because of ants? That's what happened recently to Buzzblog columnist Paul McNamara (http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/43113). His Verizon FIOS connection wnet down because the line was cut by ants that munched through the line!

Now, that is what I call bizarre. But it does bring up an important point.

As much as we think that technology gives us control, it's vital to remember that the unexpected happens. That means we need to realize that technology is not infallible, and the we need to have fallback plans when the unexpected happens.

I hear you saying "Huh? It's unexpected! How am I supposed to plan for the unplanned?!"

Good question. But, it's not the unexpected that you really need to plan for, but the effects. You don't have any way to know when the next strange, weird or just plain annoying occurrence will happen, nor what shape it will take. After all who would have thought to worry about ants!? But, you do know that something is going to happen one of these days. And while you don't know for sure what the effects will be, you can make some good estimates of likely issues that will result such as (but not limited to . . .) loss of internet access or other connectivity, power loss, otherwise downed systems, loss of your site, loss of key personnel. You can plan for these things, even if you can't plan for the things that cause them - like ants. Although, maybe it wouldn't hurt to talk to an exterminator....