The Hidden Costs of Storage Array Failures

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Maintenance Blogs | 0 comments

The Hidden Costs of Storage Array Failures

hpe storage array
Storage arrays are critical to business operations, especially when it comes to handling large volumes of data. But when these systems fail, the consequences can be severe. Think of unexpected downtime, the risk of data loss, and the hit to productivity. These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they can be business-stopping events, and they often come with hidden costs that many don’t anticipate.

The hidden costs associated with storage array failures can pile up fast. You might think of replacing hardware or fixing issues as the main expenses, but the real losses often come from things like extended downtime and data loss. Data is everything today, and when a storage array goes down, retrieving that data—if it’s even possible—takes time and expertise. But every minute that data is inaccessible, productivity drops, and the business suffers.

Extended Downtime: The Cost Nobody Sees Coming

One of the biggest dangers of a storage array failure is extended downtime. When a system is down, not only is data unavailable, but employees and systems that rely on that data come to a halt. For resellers in particular, downtime means more than just lost hours. It can mean delayed deliveries, missed opportunities, and unhappy clients.

Take the case of a reseller that’s about to close a deal but suddenly loses access to the vital data needed for the transaction. That delay could mean a lost sale, a damaged relationship, or missed revenue. Worse still, when your clients see that you can’t meet their needs in a timely manner, their trust erodes.

But the cost of downtime doesn’t stop with sales losses. Consider the overhead associated with getting systems back online. IT teams may have to work around the clock, sometimes requiring costly external help to restore functionality. This adds up, and without the right support, these costs can skyrocket.

storage array network

Data Loss: When Backups Aren’t Enough

We rely heavily on data backups, assuming they’ll always be available to restore things back to normal. However, storage array failures don’t always follow the plan. The process of recovering from such failures often reveals flaws in backup systems—corrupted data, incomplete backups, or simply the time it takes to restore.

Lost data can be irreplaceable. Even with backups, there’s no guarantee that everything will be restored, and any gap in data can create significant problems. A reseller might find that financial records, order histories, or customer details have been wiped out. Reconstructing this information can be meticulous and, in some cases, impossible.

Beyond the frustration, there’s the cost of recreating or retrieving the lost data. It’s a process that requires skilled professionals, who aren’t cheap, and precious time that could be better spent on other business activities.

Productivity Takes a Hit

While the system is down, work comes to a standstill. That’s not just frustrating—it’s costly. Employees who depend on access to data or systems sit inactive or, at best, struggle to work around the outage. This productivity loss doesn’t just affect one department; it can affect the entire organization. For resellers, this means missed opportunities, delayed shipments, and a lack of responsiveness to client needs.

You can’t afford to have employees sitting on their hands while waiting for storage systems to come back online. Every hour of lost productivity translates to lost revenue, and those hours add up quickly.

storage array network san

Why TPM is the Smart Solution

This is where Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) steps in. While many companies assume that they need to rely on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for support, TPM offers a cost-effective alternative. Here’s how it can make a difference.

TPM providers specialize in offering support for hardware at a fraction of what OEMs charge. Not only is it more affordable, but it often provides a faster response time, minimizing downtime and getting systems back online quicker. For resellers, this means faster resolutions and less disruption to client relationships.

A TPM provider can also extend the life of your storage array. Instead of being forced into expensive upgrade cycles dictated by the OEM, TPM allows you to keep using hardware that’s still functional, even if it’s out of warranty. This provides more flexibility and ensures you get the maximum return on your investments.

TPM support is also tailored. With OEMs, you’re often locked into rigid service contracts that might not align with your needs. TPMs offer more customized support packages, ensuring you only pay for the services you actually need. This is particularly beneficial for resellers who might have unique storage needs compared to other businesses.

Mitigating Risks with TPM

In addition to offering more affordable maintenance, TPM can help mitigate many of the hidden costs mentioned earlier. Whether it’s minimizing downtime, speeding up the restoration process, or ensuring data security, TPM providers are equipped to handle these challenges.

For instance, they can often provide engineers faster than an OEM, reducing the time your storage array stays offline. They also typically have broader expertise across a variety of brands and models, meaning they can handle mixed environments that resellers often have. This ensures that no matter the setup, they can get you back online with minimal fuss.

Data loss prevention is another area where TPM shines. Many TPM providers offer enhanced monitoring and diagnostics, catching potential failures before they happen. This proactive approach can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of catastrophic data loss.

pure storage flash array

Ready to Lower Your Risks?

The hidden costs of storage array failures—downtime, data loss, and productivity hits—are serious threats that can affect any business. But for resellers, the stakes are even higher. TPM services can be a game-changer, providing tailored, cost-effective support that helps prevent these risks from becoming a reality.

Looking for reliable TPM services to protect your storage arrays? Reach out to ChannelWorks and discover how we can keep your systems running smoothly, without the hefty price tag of OEM support.

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