Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we explore ways in which IT admins can optimize the IT infrastructure during the holidays while leaving room for enjoyment.
December is here, and the holiday spirit is in the air. While you prune your Christmas tree at the start of the holiday season, your IT infrastructure requires consistent pruning throughout the year by IT admins. The holiday season, however, brings a slew of IT challenges, including increased cybersecurity threats, limited staff availability, and unpredictable workloads. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean IT admins cannot enjoy the season.
There are effective ways for IT admins to manage their workload while also enjoying personal time during the holiday season—it just takes some planning. We’re here to share a few tips to help.
1. Conduct a health check
“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” —Benjamin Franklin
As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, preparation is key, and the functioning of IT operations should never be left to chance.
Conduct a thorough check of your systems well in advance and ensure all patches are applied. Additionally, review servers, network equipment, and storage devices. Replace any outdated or unreliable equipment to avoid unexpected surprises. Make sure the infrastructure can handle the holiday season load. If it falls short, upgrade it promptly to avoid concerns about sudden spikes in demand.
2. Create a holiday support schedule
The holiday season is unlike any other time of the year. Server loads are high, but staff availability is limited.
Create a detailed plan for the staff schedule during the holiday season. Organize shifts so that administrators can enjoy their personal time while ensuring smooth operations. To avoid unnecessary hiccups and delays during shifts, prepare a document outlining common issues and their troubleshooting steps.
3. Be ready to tackle things from afar
Although the holiday season is a time for fun and leisure, it’s important to recognize the need for flexibility to keep IT operations running smoothly.
While it may not always be necessary, it’s better to be prepared with essentials like a laptop, charger, VPN, and troubleshooting guide to address any issues that might arise. These measures are purely for handling emergency situations.
The holiday season is a time of joy, and we must prioritize family and relaxation. Most users understand occasional downtime or minor issues during this period. However, that doesn’t mean we should take things for granted and neglect proper preparation. Being cautious and well prepared significantly eases the burden on IT admins and ensures a better user experience.
To all the IT admins out there, wishing you a wonderful and stress-free holiday season!
