Servers can experience downtime which can result in huge losses and loss of trust from customers. To overcome server failures, continuous server monitoring is required. Before getting the best practice guide, check out the following info related to server downtime. 

What is Server Downtime?

Downtime is downtime, so server downtime is the period when the server is not functioning. This situation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hardware failure or problems with the power supply, as well as critical issues with network connectivity and software. 

Measuring the Impact of Server Downtime

Objectively measuring the impact of downtime on servers is actually relatively difficult. Based on data from verified sources, 91% of all companies claim that 1 hour of downtime on a critical server will increase the company’s initial loss by a significant amount, totaling up to $300,000. 

The above number is not an exact figure, as an actual server crash can put a business out of business for days. Even worse, businesses can be out of business for several weeks. 

Impact of Server Downtime on Business

Downtime is always bad for business. Server downtime especially affects businesses that require constant access. The following are some of the major impacts of server downtime on businesses:

1. Damage to Company Reputation

First of all, server downtime affects the reputation of the company’s services, as users start to doubt its reliability. Keep in mind that the target audience may be using the company’s server all the time. So if there is downtime for just 1 hour, it will greatly slow down the growth of brand popularity. 

2. Negative Impact on Sales

If users can’t access your company’s site, they are certainly unlikely to make a purchase. Thus, downtime has a very negative impact on sales. Of course, this directly affects the company’s overall revenue. 

3. Lower Customer Satisfaction

A successful business values its loyal customers. Therefore, server downtime that lasts long enough will result in user requests not being fulfilled. This can automatically lead to significant customer dissatisfaction and a high risk of losing clients to competitors. 

Common Causes of Server Downtime

There are quite a few factors that can cause server downtime. But there are some of the most common reasons why a server can suddenly go down and not function at all. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Network Interference

There are several types of network multifunctionality, and some of them can cause server downtime. A disrupted network can be caused by a lack of power or a malfunction in the hardware. To overcome this, companies need special tools or software whose function is to monitor the network for 24 hours every day. 

2. Human Error

Even though networks and servers are handled by experienced IT experts, they are still not free from human error. The human error factor is one of the reasons that often causes servers to crash sometimes. This includes mistakes made by experts, configuration errors, and incorrect coding methods. 

3. Damaged Backups

Unexpected data loss and corruption is not uncommon, so it’s a good idea for companies to protect against this possibility. Do not restore a company server using a corrupted backup, as recovery may not be possible. The impact of this damage and the time spent on recovery results in a very long server downtime. 

4. Software Problems

Servers are prone to software errors. The list of such errors includes incorrect configuration or corrupted documents. If you want to eliminate the risk of such problems altogether, make sure your company’s server is configured properly. 

5. Hardware Problems

The list of hardware problems includes failures in the hard disk or in the power supply. IT teams should pay special attention to fans, especially if they are no longer able to cool efficiently. These faulty fans can cause the server to shut down because it has overheated. 

6. Cyber Attacks

Last but not least is a very common cause of server inactivity. With the increase in technology, the ability of hackers has also increased rapidly. In 2023, the most common cyberattacks involve malware forwarding and DDoS attacks. 

Every company is not immune to cyberattacks, so it’s important to be vigilant. It is recommended to use network and server monitoring tools that are able to provide comprehensive protection and alert quickly if anomalies are found. If something unusual is found early on, it can be resolved immediately without waiting for the problem to become big. 

Best Practices to Prevent Server Downtime

Server downtime can actually be avoided in several ways. Below are the most effective ones that can significantly strengthen a company’s servers, allowing IT teams to cope with unexpected situations: 

1. Test Backups Periodically

Existing backups should be constantly rechecked, as some of them may no longer work. This step ensures that the company’s servers always have verified backups that can be used at any time. Especially for verification, companies can use a separate server. 

2. Monitor Sites and Applications to Prevent Server Downtime

Another method to prevent downtime on company servers is to monitor the software and sites used. This way, the IT team can get a complete picture of the server’s functioning, which will make it easier to identify and fix any problems that occur on the server. 

3. Make Sure the Infrastructure is In Line with the Needs

Every company has different needs. Therefore, the IT team must be able to ensure that the infrastructure used is suitable for the company’s needs. Utilizing the necessary computing resources to prevent sudden server downtime is important, but the infrastructure must be appropriate first. 

In other words, the processing power of the system is a key factor, as a weak server will not be able to handle large tasks. Sooner or later, a weak server runs the risk of causing damage and eventual server downtime. 

Servers have a very important function in the operations of modern companies. But, no matter how good the quality of the server is, it is possible for downtime to occur, which risks being very detrimental to the company. Not only financially, but companies can lose trust and even lose customers.

An adequate and reliable server monitoring tool such as Netmonk is needed so that the server avoids various problems that can stop its active time. The service has been used by more than 1000 companies, visit the Netmonk web to find out the full service!