A global leader in technology and internet services operates a vast network of data centers. It faced a significant challenge in assessing the risk of downtime, especially in scenarios where a single event could affect multiple data centers simultaneously. Traditional risk assessment tools were insufficient, as they did not account for interdependencies and the potential for widespread damage.
The business needed detailed insight into the vulnerabilities of its data center clusters to help it make informed decisions about operational planning and risk mitigation, as well as provide due diligence to their customers.
By assessing and quantifying complex risks using sophisticated qualitative and quantitative frameworks and providing actionable insights, the business can better understand and manage the hazards and vulnerabilities of its data centers. Its data centers are now more likely to remain resilient, enabling greater uptime, even during a catastrophic event. With a tailored framework to consider interdependencies and the impact of widespread events, the business can make more informed strategic decisions on operations, planning and risk mitigation, as well as respond to imminent threats more impactfully.
For example, our exposure and vulnerability assessment helped the company consider whether to relocate some of their operations within a cluster to another colocation data center to avoid the shared fate and potential downtime due to flood risk.
Based on the initial work we carried out for existing data centers, the business asked us to expand the scope to evaluate the natural catastrophe and climate exposure of new data centers. We worked collaboratively with both the technology company and engineering design partners to inform design and construction requirements, as well as site selection.
We also proactively included geopolitical risks, such as civil unrest, terrorism, war and proximity to terrorist targets to help the organization consider the potential impact of previously unconsidered threats.
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WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).
