The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life for everyone. In living memory, there has been no other single event that has caused such sudden and widespread disruption.
Access to the internet is one of the few things that we, as a global society, cannot afford to lose. As the pandemic spread to the U.S. in March, it became clear that more aspects of life would have to move online. Without a strong internet infrastructure, proven scientific strategies to contain the virus, like social distancing, would have been difficult to implement. The transition to work-from-home employment likely saved thousands of lives and prevented greater economic devastation.
Data centers keep the world running
As the backbone of the internet, data centers are essential for conducting business, socializing remotely, and learning. In fact, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 42% of adults in the U.S. have used telehealth services, according to Medical Economics.
Resiliency is at the core of every data center offering. Redundant systems and high-performance infrastructure keep data centers fully functional, even when disaster strikes. Plus, around-the-clock monitoring ensures that any problems are solved as quickly as possible. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, data centers were among the leaders in emergency preparedness. Weekly, monthly, and quarterly tests ensure that data centers can minimize downtime under any circumstances.
As the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, no one knows how long social distancing restrictions will remain in effect. Some features of our new paradigm, such as the universal adaptation of remote work, may continue on even after the threat of the novel coronavirus dissipates. It is likely that the pandemic has sped up the already exponential growth of internet use for the long term. To that end, data centers will remain an essential part of commerce and life for the foreseeable future.
Data centers are adapting in response to COVID-19
While other businesses were scrambling to develop response plans to the COVID-19 crisis, data centers were ahead of the game. In April, Sabey Data Centers implemented Response Level 2 of our Infectious Disease Business Continuity Plan. Sites were able to immediately limit non-essential work, shore up fuel supplies, and implement social distancing practices. Employees that could work from home seamlessly shifted to a remote workflow. Essential on-site personnel adjusted their routes to limit their exposure to risky situations. Should the situation deteriorate further, on-site staff are prepared to shelter in place at data centers to ensure business continuity.
Businesses that lease space in data centers have benefited from measures like these. They do not have to risk their own personnel, nor do they need to devise and implement infectious disease emergency response plans. Data center clients are able to remotely monitor their resources without ever needing to set foot inside the building. Should any on-site server maintenance work become necessary, remote hands services at the data center can perform the work to a high standard of quality.
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, Sabey Data Centers will continue to closely monitor the situation and update our policies and procedures. For instance, Sabey deployed non-contact temperature sensors as an added screening tool at the majority of our sites. In addition, a strict mask policy is in effect to further limit the risk of exposure to any personnel needed on-site.
No one knows for certain how long emergency protocols will need to be in place. Regardless, Sabey is always dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our customers, staff, and vendors.
