How Businesses Can Stay Operational During an Internet Outage

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by

Adam Bishop
in , ,

An internet outage can disrupt business operations, but with the right strategy, companies can stay productive. A key part of this plan is maintaining both local and cloud storage, ensuring access to critical files whether online or offline.

Steps to Minimize Downtime

  1. Use Local Storage: Keep essential files on secure external drives or secure local networks for offline access.
  2. Rely on Backup Internet: Mobile hotspots or secondary providers can temporarily restore connectivity.
  3. Prioritize Offline Tasks: Focus on document reviews, brainstorming, and training during outages.
  4. Communicate Proactively: Notify clients and team members about disruptions and alternative contact methods.

Why Businesses Need Both Local & Cloud Storage

  • Cloud Storage: Enables remote access, automated backups, and enhanced security.
  • Local Storage: Ensures uninterrupted access to critical files, reducing reliance on internet availability.

Using OneDrive’s “Always Keep on This Device” Feature

OneDrive’s “Always Keep on This Device” option allows businesses to store cloud files locally, ensuring access even during an internet outage. When enabled, selected files are downloaded and remain available offline in File Explorer.

How to Enable It:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder.
  2. Right-click on a file or folder and select “Always Keep on This Device”.
  3. The file will be downloaded and stored locally, ensuring offline access.

This feature is particularly useful for businesses that rely on cloud storage but need critical files available at all times. If storage space becomes an issue, users can right-click files and select “Free Up Space”, which removes the local copy while keeping it accessible online.

Syncing SharePoint to File Explorer & Using “Always Keep on This Device”

Businesses using SharePoint can sync their document libraries to File Explorer, making it easier to access files directly from their local system. Once synced, users can also apply the “Always Keep on This Device” option to ensure offline availability.

How to Sync SharePoint to File Explorer:

  1. Open your SharePoint document library in a web browser.
  2. Click the “Sync” button in the toolbar.
  3. Sign in to OneDrive if prompted.
  4. Once synced, your SharePoint files will appear in File Explorer under your organization’s name.

Making SharePoint Files Available Offline:

  1. Navigate to the synced SharePoint folder in File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on a file or folder and select “Always Keep on This Device”.
  3. The file will be downloaded and stored locally, ensuring offline access.

This setup ensures that businesses can continue working on important files even when their ISP experiences downtime.

By combining cloud and local storage solutions, companies can stay resilient and avoid major disruptions.

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