👟The Cobbler's Children Syndrome | Redefining Last-Mile Connectivity Resilience⏯️

Ronald BartelsRonald Bartels
2 min read

In the realm of Information Technology (IT), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and connectivity resellers are the architects of connectivity solutions for countless businesses. Yet, when the spotlight turns to their own offices' connectivity resilience, a startling revelation emerges – a majority rely on a single last-mile connection.

The Incongruity of Last-Mile Strategy

Approaching these tech stalwarts about their connectivity setup often reveals a single-point-of-failure scenario. A staggering 95% of connected businesses in South Africa echo this vulnerability. If these tech-savvy entities fail to perceive the value of resilience in their own setups, how can they advocate for it to their customers?

Leading by Example: Redefining Last-Mile Connectivity

Rethinking last-mile connectivity is not just a customer-facing strategy; it's about practicing what you preach. Removing single points of failure at one's own doorstep serves as the stepping stone toward practical resilience solutions for customers.

The Parallels with Loadshedding

In a nation familiar with loadshedding's impact, the need for alternative power sources is well understood. Similarly, relying on a sole internet connection harbors risks akin to power outages. The vulnerability becomes apparent when an outage disrupts operations, magnifying the importance of connectivity resilience.

Embracing Resilience: A Practical Shift

The transformation begins with tech entities fortifying their own connectivity. By implementing diverse last-mile connections, load balancing, failover mechanisms, or SD-WAN solutions, they gain firsthand experience in resilience. This expertise can then be effectively translated into practical solutions for their customers.

A Paradigm Shift in Strategy

The 'Cobbler's Children Syndrome' underscores the urgency for a shift in strategy. It's not merely about providing connectivity but fostering resilience. By safeguarding their own offices against connectivity pitfalls, these tech entities pave the way for a paradigm shift in how businesses approach their network stability.

Wrap: Leading the Way in Connectivity Resilience

Tech entities play a pivotal role in reshaping last-mile connectivity narratives. Redefining the status quo begins with fortifying their own setups, gaining hands-on experience in resilience strategies, and then guiding customers toward practical and robust solutions.

The time has come for IT companies, ISPs, MSPs, and connectivity resellers to become the trailblazers in connectivity resilience. It's about leading by example, demonstrating the value of a resilient last-mile, and ushering in a new era where vulnerabilities are mitigated, and business continuity reigns supreme.


Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Fusion Broadband South Africa - the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa. Learn more about the best SD-WAN in the world: 👉 Contact Fusion

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Written by

Ronald Bartels
Ronald Bartels

Driving SD-WAN Adoption in South Africa