Online retailers know that having a digital presence for consumers to access is all well and good, until there is a network outage.

Network outages can be caused by various factors, from simple technological failures to sinister cyberattacks by hackers.

On the flip side, ICT vendors need to consider retail-specific security challenges since retailers’ IT infrastructure differs from other verticals in the form of retail-specific hardware and software usage, such as PoS, beacons, eCommerce and supply chain management systems.

Retail Insight Network speaks to Tracy Collins, network expert and vice president of sales at OpenGear, about the importance of establishing a strong IT network and infrastructure for retailers of all sizes.

What can happen to retailers when there is a network outage?

Loss of sales is the biggest consequence for retailers when experiencing a network outage. In addition to making in-store devices unusable, it can also make online stores inaccessible to customers. Across all industries in the US, the cost of downtime has recently grown from $5,600 per minute to $9,000 per minute.

How can retailers ensure seamless network connectivity and service?

To ensure seamless network connectivity and service, retailers can implement Out of Band management, a network strategy that provides an alternative way to access devices when the primary network is down. By leveraging this technology, retailers can securely and remotely monitor, manage, and access critical devices without disrupting the primary network. This will help retailers maximise uptime while minimising network disruptions through always-on connectivity.

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In what ways will retail technology adapt to evolving demands and developments?

With retailers closing stores due to decreasing revenues, the influx of online shoppers in 2024 and beyond will push companies to ensure their networks and websites stay up during critical times. In such a high-stakes environment, it is critical for businesses to adopt proactive strategies to bolster network resilience in retail.