Illinois is no stranger to extreme weather, from harsh winter storms to severe summer thunderstorms and tornadoes. For Chicago-area MSPs, these weather events can disrupt client operations and create significant IT challenges. However, with the right disaster recovery planning, MSPs can keep their clients safe and operational while introducing incremental services that enhance resilience and drive revenue. This guide explores how MSPs can prepare for all weather extremes, offer robust disaster recovery solutions, and develop add-on services to provide more value to their clients.
Join other area MSPs for networking and education at the ChannelPro LIVE: Chicago event on April 1-2, 2025. Get details here.
1. Understand Extreme Weather’s Impact on IT Systems
-
Common Challenges
- Power Outages: Both summer storms and winter ice storms can knock out power for hours — or even days.
- Connectivity Loss: Downed lines and overloaded networks are common during extreme weather events.
- Accessibility Issues: Tornadoes, flooding, or heavy snow can make physical access to offices impossible, increasing reliance on remote work.
-
MSP’s Role
- Protect clients with proactive disaster recovery and business continuity planning that addresses year-round weather risks.
2. Build a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan
-
Data Backup and Redundancy
- Back up critical data to offsite or cloud-based solutions.
- Perform quarterly tests to so that backups are functional and restoration processes are efficient.
-
Power and Connectivity Failover Solutions
- Provide clients with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for critical systems and backup generators for prolonged outages.
- Deploy SD-WAN solutions to maintain internet access through redundant connections.
-
Remote Work Enablement
- Set up secure VPNs and remote desktop protocols (RDP) so employees can access company systems during weather disruptions.
- Recommend collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack to maintain communication through Chicago’s extreme weather events.
-
Proactive System Maintenance
- Regularly inspect and update hardware, firmware, and software to reduce the risk of failure during extreme weather.
- Monitor environmental controls in client facilities to protect servers and networking equipment.
3. Create Revenue Opportunities with Incremental Services
-
Offer a Weather-specific Continuity Package
- Develop an add-on service plan focused on weather preparedness and recovery.
- Include benefits like proactive disaster recovery planning, enhanced monitoring during storms, and priority support.
- Offer tiered pricing for basic, advanced, and premium packages.
-
Disaster Recovery Audits as a Service
- Conduct annual or semi-annual audits to evaluate clients’ readiness for extreme weather.
- Include tests for backup restorations, failover systems, and remote work capabilities.
- Charge a flat fee or hourly rate for the audit and recommendations.
-
Emergency Response Retainers
- Offer a subscription-based service for guaranteed rapid-response support during extreme weather-related emergencies.
- Include priority access to onsite or remote troubleshooting during storms or outages.
4. Educate Clients on Year-round Preparedness
-
Host Weather Preparedness Workshops
- Teach clients how to mitigate year-round weather risks.
- Highlight the importance of backups, power continuity, and remote work tools.
-
Provide Weather-specific IT Checklists
- Offer seasonal checklists for clients to verify their readiness for winter storms, tornadoes, or summer storms.
- Use these checklists as an opportunity to pitch additional services.
-
Conduct Simulated Disaster Drills
- Run power outage, network disruption, and other scenarios to identify weaknesses in clients’ systems.
- Charge for these drills as part of a comprehensive disaster recovery package.
5. Enhance MSP Readiness for Extreme Weather
-
Internal Disaster Recovery Preparation
- Install secure remote work tools in case your office is affected.
- Assign team members to specific roles during client emergencies to streamline response times.
-
Assemble Emergency Kits for Field Work
- Include portable battery backups, mobile hotspots, and essential tools for quick onsite responses.
-
Proactive Client Communication
-
- Send alerts about upcoming weather threats and offer readiness assessments.
- Position your MSP as a trusted advisor by providing guidance and on-demand support.
6. Tools and Resources for Disaster Recovery
- Cloud Backup Solutions: Services like Acronis or Veeam for secure, automated backups.
- Remote Work Platforms: Secure tools like Citrix or AnyDesk for remote system access.
- Power Management Tools: Solutions like Eaton or APC for monitoring and managing UPS systems.
- Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom to maintain team communication.
Conclusion
Exteme weather threats in Chicago can disrupt operations at any time of year. With a solid disaster recovery strategy, MSPs can protect their clients while opening new revenue streams. From proactive planning to premium weather-specific service packages, you can balance safety and profitability. Start by offering a weather readiness assessment to your clients. Then, introduce tailored packages to meet their needs.
See more articles for Illinois MSPs here >>>>>
ChannelPro has created this resource to help busy MSPs streamline their decision-making process. This resource offers a starting point for evaluating key business choices, saving time and providing clarity. While this resource is designed to guide you through important considerations, we encourage you to seek more references and professional advice to ensure fully informed decisions.
Featured image: iStock
