In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, connectivity reigns supreme. Whether you're a dynamic start-up or an established business, the temptation to rely on a single Internet Service Provider (ISP) can be strong. They might promise you the world, with resilient fibre connections and unbeatable reliability. However, the reality is often quite different.
The Perils of Sole Dependence
Choosing a single provider, no matter how technologically advanced, is akin to putting all your eggs in one precarious basket. Let's take a grand-scale example to illustrate this point – South Africa's coal-based power stations, built with components sourced from a solitary vendor, Hitachi. Unfortunately, these units share the same flaws and vulnerabilities, leading to widespread power outages and load shedding.
In contrast, South Africa's previous strategy involved a dual-vendor approach, utilizing Alstom and Babcock. This wise strategy effectively mitigated risks, ensuring a more reliable power supply.
The Need for ISP Agnosticism
For businesses seeking to thrive in today's interconnected world, adopting an ISP agnostic strategy is not a luxury but a necessity. At the very least, a business should partner with two ISPs. Even better, consider a combination of a fibre provider and a fixed wireless (or satellite) provider.
Enter SD-WAN, the linchpin of this strategy. SD-WAN empowers businesses to maintain uninterrupted connectivity, even when an ISP experiences downtime or disruptions. It's a fact of life that ISPs will encounter failures and outages. The key is to be prepared and mitigate these risks proactively.
The beauty of SD-WAN is its immediate impact. Even if your business is locked into a long-term fiber contract with an ISP, you can implement this strategy seamlessly. Installing an SD-WAN node and utilizing the service on your existing fiber link while adding an alternative path via a fixed wireless provider, such as Comsol, or a satellite provider, such as Paratus, is a game-changer. Fusion's service enables you to aggregate and use both links simultaneously, enhancing your connectivity without breaking the bank.
Remember, your business's success hinges on its ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. A superior strategy, like adopting an ISP agnostic approach, sets you apart from the competition and ensures your doors remain wide open. Don't let unforeseen consequences catch you off guard.
Ronald Bartels is a visionary at Fusion Broadband South Africa, connecting the world of Internet-inhabiting things. 👉 Contact Fusion 🚀
