Recently, Ukraine faced new challenges related to interruptions in energy supply. This situation affected not only the everyday life of citizens, but also the work of companies, especially those working in the field of information technologies. In this context, IT companies faced questions about ensuring the continuity of business processes, maintaining the productivity of teams and maintaining comfortable working conditions for employees.
Backup power: a choice of solutions
Powerbank: a mobile solution for laptops
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to provide backup power for laptops is to use powerful power banks. Such devices are able to store enough energy to keep the laptop running for several hours. The cost of power banks, depending on the capacity, can vary from 3,000 to 5,000 hryvnias, and the battery life - from 2.5 to 4 hours. This allows employees to continue to perform their tasks even when there is no electricity in the office.
Comparison of characteristics of popular models of power banks
Such solutions are easy to use, easy to transport and do not require special personnel training. However, their main limitation is relatively short battery life, which makes them more suitable for laptops rather than desktop computers.
Advantages of power banks:
- Mobility and ease of use
- Affordable cost
- Ability to provide power to the laptop
Disadvantages of power banks:
- Limited battery life (2.5-4 hours)
- Unsuitability for powering stationary computers
Battery + uninterruptible power supply: a comprehensive solution for compact offices
To ensure the uninterrupted operation of stationary computers in offices, companies can consider a comprehensive solution based on a battery and an uninterruptible power supply. Such devices are able to support the operation of computers for 3-4 hours in the event of a lack of electricity. The cost of such equipment varies from 13,000 to 25,000 hryvnias, depending on the power.
Characteristics of popular models of batteries and uninterruptible power supplies
Such solutions provide longer battery life, which allows employees to continue working even when there is no electricity in the office. However, they require more capital expenditure and take up more space, so they are more suitable for compact offices.
Advantages of the battery and uninterrupted power supply:
- Ensuring longer autonomous operation (3-4 hours)
- The possibility of powering stationary computers
- A more complex solution
Disadvantages of battery and uninterruptible power supply:
- Higher cost of equipment
- They take up more space in the office
Generator: a stand-alone solution for large offices
To ensure the operation of large offices, where the number of computers and servers is significant, companies can consider the option of installing a diesel or gasoline generator. Such devices are able to provide electricity for an unlimited time, but require additional costs for fuel and installation. The cost of generators varies from 12,000 to 18,000 hryvnias, depending on the power.
Characteristics of popular models of generators
The use of generators provides unlimited battery life, which is critical for large offices (especially if it is an office with a generator in Kyiv). However, they require regular maintenance and fuel purchases, which lead to additional costs.
Advantages of generators:
- Unlimited battery life
- Ability to power large offices
- Independence from external power supply
Disadvantages of generators:
- Significant capital costs for the purchase of equipment
- The need for regular maintenance
- Additional fuel costs
Stable Internet: traditional and new solutions
Fiber optic Internet: a reliable solution, but vulnerable to power outages
The traditional solution for ensuring a stable Internet connection in offices is to connect to fiber optic networks. Such solutions, as a rule, are offered by providers for a subscription fee of 300 to 500 hryvnias per month. However, the main limitation is that fiber optic lines do not work without power.
The cost of connection and subscription fee for fiber optic Internet
Fiber optic lines provide high speed and reliability of the Internet connection, but their operation is completely dependent on the availability of electricity in the network. Therefore, in blackout conditions, this option does not provide stable access to the Internet.
Advantages of fiber optic internet:
- High data transfer rate
- Reliable connection
- Availability in most regions
Disadvantages of fiber optic internet:
- Dependence on the availability of electricity
- Impossibility of use in the absence of power supply
Starlink: satellite communication as an alternative solution
One of the alternatives to fiber optic Internet is satellite communication from Starlink. This technology allows you to access the Internet even in the absence of electricity in the network and the traditional infrastructure of providers. The cost of equipment for connecting to Starlink is 14,000-25,000 hryvnias, and the subscription fee is 2,900 hryvnias per month.
Comparison of the characteristics of fiber optic and satellite Internet
Despite the higher cost of equipment and subscription fees, Starlink provides independence from electricity and the ability to receive the Internet anywhere there is access to the sky. This makes it an attractive solution for companies looking to ensure uninterrupted network access even during blackouts.
Advantages of Starlink:
- Independence from the availability of electricity
- Internet access anywhere
- The possibility of installation in the office or at home
Disadvantages of Starlink:
- Significant capital expenditure on equipment
- Higher subscription fee
- Speed instability is possible due to the distance to ground stations
Combining solutions: increasing the reliability of network communication
To ensure high reliability and stability of the Internet connection, companies can consider the option of combining several solutions, such as fiber optic Internet, Starlink and local backup channels (especially if the office has backup power). This will minimize the risks of a complete shutdown of the network in the event of a blackout.
For example, the main Internet channel can be a fiber optic connection, and Starlink and additional providers can act as backup channels. Such a solution will ensure uninterrupted operation even in the absence of electricity in the network.
Advantages of combining solutions:
- Increasing the reliability of the Internet connection
- Providing access to the network under any conditions
- The possibility of using different technologies for reservation
Disadvantages of combining solutions:
- Higher overall implementation costs
- The need to monitor and manage multiple channels
Experience of Ukrainian IT companies: how they adapt to challenges
TechMagic
TechMagic, a company specializing in software development, responded to blackout calls by taking a number of measures to ensure uninterrupted operations. In particular, it purchased industrial generators to power the offices, installed a Starlink system for backup Internet communication, and stockpiled fuel. In addition, the company finances the purchase of charging stations for employees so that they can keep their devices working even at home.
TechMagic Solutions:
- Industrial generators for powering offices
- Starlink system for backup internet connection
- Stockpiles of fuel for generators
Funding for the purchase of charging stations for employees
Intellias
Intellias, a software development company, also takes a number of measures to ensure uninterrupted operations. In particular, it equipped its offices with the Starlink system, and also engaged additional Internet providers in case of failure of the main channel. In addition, the company has prepared a shelter for the team so that employees can work in the office even during extreme situations.
Intellias solution:
- Using the Starlink system for backup Internet connection
- Involvement of additional Internet providers
- Preparation of shelter for the team
SoftServe
Another company that is actively adapting to blackout challenges is SoftServe. In addition to installing generators to power offices, it develops backup communication channels through additional Internet providers. The company is also actively implementing the concept of autonomous workplaces that can work continuously for a long time due to built-in batteries or uninterruptible power supplies.
SoftServe solutions:
- Installation of generators to power offices
- Development of backup communication channels
- Implementation of autonomous workplaces
Conclusion
Ukrainian IT companies are actively working to ensure uninterrupted work in blackout conditions by using various technological solutions. Installing generators, using satellite Internet, combining different types of communication and creating autonomous workplaces allow companies to maintain productivity and reliability of their activities even in the most extreme situations. A smart combination of these technologies helps ensure the stable operation of offices and keep business processes in normal mode even during extraordinary circumstances.