With the recent weather showing no signs of letting up in the next few weeks in terms of temperature, and with further snow storms forecast, various seams in the UK Infrastructure are beginning to show signs of stress.
It has been reported just today that gas supplies are running dangerously low, with power companies exercising the interruptible contracts that many manufacturing companies signed up to ensure gas supplies to domestic users.
There has been the well reported lack of grit stocks from councils all over the UK whereby only A and B roads are being cleared and has left many people stranded in their homes, not daring to venture out for anything other than necessities or emergencies (indeed the Police have advised many in the worst hit areas to do just this). We have also witnessed the inevitable interruptions to public transport due to adverse weather conditions, making the journey into work nigh on impossible for some. Just last week, I was in this position myself after a lorry jackknifed on the M8 and slid down the railway embankment leaving both the train line and motorway closed for 3 hours.
All in all, it's a difficult time for businesses and contingency plans are being put to the test. And none more so than IT services. With so many people stranded at home, there's increased demand on IT for remote access services, and web sites, particularly for public information such as rail and traffic reports, have been experiencing delays and outages due to high peaks in demand.
Faced with such difficulties, it's the organisations who can continue to operate in these testing conditions that will gain a competitive advantage.
Last year, the threat of swine flu threw business continuity plans a curve ball. In much the same way, 2010's snowy start is raising similar questions to how IT departments can best prepare for the worst.
If your IT is struggling to cope with the increased demand placed on it this week, take a look at our services and find out how IT Analytics capacity planning and scenario modelling can help you to be better prepared.
By Lynn Allan, Sumerian Analyst
