Springtime storms threaten computer damage downtime, and data loss.

Springtime usually conjures up positive images – warmer weather, longer days, flowers blooming, the return of animal life. But the same factors that make spring so welcome are also a recipe for unwelcome severe weather. Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rains, and tornadoes occur more frequently in the spring than any other time of the year – and all place your computer equipment at greater risk for downtime and data corruption.

Blackouts

Defined as a “total loss of utility power,” blackouts can not only grind your productivity to a halt but also cause system crashes, data corruption, irretrievably lost files, and catastrophic damage to unprotected equipment.  An APC® by Shneider Electric UPS keeps you up and running with plenty of backup power, and award-winning PowerChute® software prevents data loss or corruption bu automatically and safely shutting down your computer in the even of a power outage.

• According to the Edison Electric Institute, 70% of power outages in the United States are caused by severe weather.

Lightning

Each bolt of lightning can reach over five miles in length, reach temperatures of 50,000°F, and contain 100 million volts – enough power to light a 100-watt bulb for more than three months. A lightning strike can cause instantaneous, dramatic increase in voltage know as a “spike.” Comparable to the force of a tidal wave, a spike can enter electronic equipment through utility, cable, or phone lines and damage or completely destroy components. APC SurgeArrest® surge protectors guarantee protection against lightning and damaging spikes.

• Globally, there are about 75-100 lightning strikes to earth per second. The United States experiences some 20-25 million ground strikes every year.

Tornadoes

With wind speeds capable of reaching 300 mph, tornadoes are the most violent storms on Earth. According to the National Weather Service, the United States experiences some  1,000 tornadoes each year – most occurring between the months of April and June. Tornadoes routinely knock out power lines.

When storm season rolls in, make sure you’re covered. Go to www.apc.com for the best solutions to protect your system – and everything stored in it!

*Source "Business Edition Currents - April 2009"