What Are the Top-Rated Fuel Cards for Businesses Operating Nationwide

What Are the Top-Rated Fuel Cards for Businesses Operating Nationwide

Fuel expenses can eat into operational costs and profits if left unchecked. The bigger the fleet a company has, the more significant the loss. Specialized fuel cards emerge as a viable solution to boosting fuel savings, security, and streamlining expense management.

This raises the question: “What are the top-rated fuel cards for businesses operating nationwide?” Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the best five fuel cards available in the market.

1. P-Fleet

Supporting large operations and small fleets since 1986, P-Fleet is a top-rated fuel card for brands operating nationwide. The enterprise's impressive statistics speak volumes, over 30 years in the industry, over 100,000 cardholders in the U.S. only, 88% five-star customer reviews and 97% customer retention rate. P-Fleet offers enterprises of all sizes three options with a mission to "fuel better business" through convenience, savings and flexibility without the hidden fees that plague many competitors.

Voyager cards are for universal acceptance across brands, and CFN cards are for access to discount cardlocks. The Voyager network spans over 320,000 locations, while CFN provides access to 3,000 locations with discounted diesel prices and the Fleetwide network of 65,000 truck stops and gas stations. The Owner-operator fuel cards offer discount pricing options, including cost-plus or retail-minus pricing, allowing companies to save money upfront rather than waiting for rebates.

P-Fleet’s online account management system enables users to manage cards, check transactions, download invoices, and run detailed reports to track expenses and compare driver usage. Its streamlined reporting solutions simplify processing and dedicated customer service, making it easier to account for every purchase.

Key Features

  • No hidden fees: P-Fleet stands out by eliminating setup fees, transaction fees and late fees for standard customers. This transparency in pricing provides businesses with predictable costs and better budget management capabilities.
  • Industry-leading controls: Comprehensive purchase controls and fraud alerts prevent unauthorized fueling through PIN requirements, odometer tracking, and customizable fueling time restrictions. These security measures help minimize waste and avoid misuse of corporate resources.
  • Multiple billing options: Flexible billing periods of three, seven, 15 or 30 days accommodate various needs. This adaptability makes P-Fleet suitable for operations of all sizes, from small start-ups to large corporations and independent contractors.

2. WEX Cards

With over 40 years in the industry, WEX has established itself as a trusted provider of fleet management solutions. For small set-ups, the WEX FlexCard provides a 3¢ per gallon rebate with no setup fees and the option to pay in full each month or carry a balance.

It offers the Fleet Card for larger fleets with automatic fuel expense tracking and reports featuring real-time data. The online account management system allows leaders to view transaction details as purchases happen, access invoices and download comprehensive reports for better decision-making.

WEX cards have earned an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 7,700 customers, demonstrating high satisfaction among entities of all sizes. Both card options offer enhanced security features and 24/7 customer support to resolve issues promptly, regardless of when they arise.

Key Features

  • Widespread acceptance: WEX cards are accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations, offering exceptional convenience and eliminating the need for drivers to search for specific locations. This extensive network ensures your fleet stays moving regardless of location.
  • Customizable purchase controls: Driver PINs and purchase limits by amount, location, time, and product type help prevent misuse. WEX even enforces your fueling policy by directly detecting and stopping transactions outside your spending limits at the pump.
  • Comprehensive reporting: Real-time data access allows tracking all transactions with detailed purchase information. Reports include purchase activity, account and site summaries, tax exemptions, and custom reports tailored to your needs.
  • Mobile management: The app enables payments, credit checking and card management.
  • Exclusive discounts: WEX offers savings on fuel, auto parts, hotel rooms and more. The mobile app helps drivers find the lowest fuel prices at nearby locations, maximizing savings on every tank.

3. Shell Fleet Cards

Shell provides comprehensive fleet card solutions with access to its extensive nationwide network. The Shell Cards Business option caters to brands of all sizes with tailored benefits and features designed to optimize fleet management. The Shell Card Business Flex offers universal acceptance at non-Shell locations, covering 95% of gas stations nationwide.

These fleet cards have additional security features that allow companies to limit purchases, quantities and timing. Its online and mobile tools enable managers to access detailed fueling activity reports and manage cards with just a few clicks. The Shell Card mobile app puts fleet management at your fingertips, allowing for payments, card management and account oversight from anywhere.

For large fleets with more than 200 vehicles, Shell provides a dedicated Shell Account Manager and access to specialized mobility services. The DriverDash app facilitates both fuel and EV roaming networks with virtual cards, saving time while contributing to reducing global plastic waste. Shell also provides expert guidance for fleets exploring electrification options, with simplified EV charging on the go and mixed fleet management capabilities.

Key Features

  • Substantial rebates: New customers can earn up to 13¢ off per gallon for the first six months, with ongoing rebates up to 6¢ per gallon. Shell Card Business Flex offers 12¢/gallon at Shell for the first six months, then up to 5¢/gallon afterward.
  • Maintenance savings: Shell cardholders save 15%-20% on essential upkeep at participating Jiffy Lube locations, helping reduce overall fleet maintenance expenses.
  • Fuel rewards program: Additional savings opportunities through its loyalty program turn every fill-up into a chance to save, keeping more money in your pocket.
  • Robust management tools: Shell Account Manager and ClearView analytics offer comprehensive insights into spending patterns. The ClearView system provides options for full data analytics or simplified email reports.

4. ExxonMobil Fleet Cards

ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, offers competitive fuel card solutions backed by extensive refining and marketing operations. They feature no setup, annual or card fees, and provide the option for flexible monthly payments through the entity’s revolving credit option.

The BusinessPro Card for general use and the FleetPro Card for diesel-driven fleets automatically track fuel expenses with up-to-the-minute visibility of purchases across your staff, eliminating lost receipt issues. These single-card solutions for mixed and heavy-duty fleets come equipped with Mastercard acceptance for non-fuel purchases.

Fleet managers benefit from ExxonMobil's Synergy fuels, which are engineered to help improve gas mileage, enhance engine protection and maintain performance. Its network includes over 12,000 Exxon and Mobil stations nationwide, with more than 800 commercial fueling stations, more than any other branded network.

The Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program allows drivers to earn points on fleet card purchases for personal savings on fuel, store items and more. When drivers fill up with 100 gallons monthly, they earn bonus points that enhance savings opportunities.

Key Features

  • Rebate structure: Earn up to 6¢ per gallon at Exxon and Mobil stations, with increasing rebates based on volume. The program rewards loyalty by offering more savings as fuel consumption increases.
  • Enhanced security: Secure PINs, spending controls and detailed reporting protect fuel budgets. Custom prompts capture driver identification and odometer readings, while the system automatically flags transactions outside authorized parameters.
  • DriverDash mobile payment: Contactless, seamless, and secure transactions at the pump eliminate physical cards and reduce fraud risk. This mobile payment system uses fingerprint ID or facial recognition, eliminating forgotten PINs while improving data capture.

5. Fuelman

Since 1985, Fuelman has built strong relationships with locally owned stations to provide competitive rebates and comprehensive fleet management solutions. Its cards work with specific industry applications, including home services, local construction, local delivery, catering, distribution, and utilities companies. The Mixed Fleet Card provides nationwide access through its Discount Network, while the Mastercard option offers universal acceptance with a 3¢ per gallon rebate.

All have tiered service plans ranging from Enterprise, Pro, and Basic based on fleet requirements. The Enterprise plan includes dedicated account management, enhanced reportin,g and customizable dashboards. Pro and Basic plans offer scaled features at lower price points.

The business's mobile app makes operations management effortless, allowing users to monitor purchases with robust controls that give an advantage over traditional credit cards. Fuelman's 24/7 customer service and roadside assistance ensure enterprises receive support whenever necessary, minimizing fleet downtime and keeping operations running smoothly, earning it a spot on the list.

Key Features

  • Significant rebates: Save 8¢-12¢ per gallon on fuel at over 40,000 locations in its Discount Network. The Fuelman Mixed Fleet Card offers 8¢ per gallon on unleaded and diesel fuel, while the Diesel Fleet Card provides 12¢ per gallon diesel rebates.
  • Fraud prevention: Real-time alerts for potentially fraudulent transactions and enhanced fraud coverage up to $10,000 per card and $25,000 annually. Its system allows decision-makers to manage driver profiles and turn cards on/off with just a few clicks.
  • Reward programs: Earn points per gallon for redemption on gift cards, merchandise, and more. Enterprise plan members earn two points per gallon, while Pro and Basic plan members earn one point.

Summary Table of the Top-Rated Fuel Cards for Businesses Operating Nationwide

Provider

Station Access

Rebates

P-Fleet

320,000+ locations

Upfront cost-plus or retail-minus pricing. No need to wait for rebates

WEX

95% of U.S. pumps

3¢–6¢/gal

Shell

12,000+ Shell plus universal stations

Up to 13¢/gal

ExxonMobil

12,000+

Up to 6¢/gal

Fuelman

40,000+

Up to 12¢/gal

Find the Top-rated Fuel Cards for Your Nationwide Business

Implementing the right fuel card solution can provide the financial edge companies need to thrive while maintaining precise control over one of their most substantial operational expenses. This, like any other, is an asset. Choose wisely, and watch both savings and control grow.

How do I reserve a space for a trade show in Pennsylvania

How do I reserve a space for a trade show in Pennsylvania

Trade shows are excellent business opportunities. Your upcoming event should occur in a space big enough to hold all participating brands while leaving room for visitors. Learning how to reserve a space for a trade show in Pennsylvania will help you find the best venues across the state.

Here are the top options for your upcoming show, regardless of your industry or event dates.

What to look for in trade show venues

Before comparing places for your trade show, consider what you want from the space. Event planners look for venues that are easy to find, spacious and affordable. You should also think about your show layout. Will visitors need extra room to peruse booths? Do any participants need outdoor space?

Included amenities are crucial to consider before narrowing down your options. If you're paying for a venue, you should get more than an empty area to set up tables. Restrooms, parking, Wi-Fi and additional features specific to your selected location will make your show more appealing. You may get more business participation and visitors if your venue meets everyone's needs.

Best trade show spaces in Pennsylvania

Start your search for the top trade show spaces in the state by checking out Pennsylvania's best locations. You'll have an excellent experience once you reserve your dates with venue owners who are experienced in coordinating large events.

1. Spooky nook meetings & events

Business owners love booking Spooky Nook Meetings & Events for trade shows. The Manheim location has on-site rooms for participants who need to stay overnight before or after your event. They won't have to leave for meals because Spook Nook provides on-site catering with personalized menus. Arrange your attendees' preferences after booking your dates to ensure everyone has food that meets their dietary needs.

You can arrange attendee tables in any traffic flow. Spooky Nook provides 700,000 square feet with audio, visual and lighting equipment for custom space usage. Team-building recreational activities are available as well. If participating brands want their employees to build stronger connections, they can enjoy some fun before and after the event.

2. Pennsylvania convention center

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of the largest trade show spaces in the state. Participants can set up booths throughout the Grand Hall, ballrooms and exhibit halls. People can easily access the center because it's downtown. Anyone can ride the bus or metro to your trade show, but a 540-car parking garage is also available. The venue is also close to the Philadelphia International Airport, perfect for participants flying in from out of town.

3. Blair county convention center

Blair County Convention Center is one of the easiest places to reach in the middle of Pennsylvania. Located halfway between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, the mountainside venue is off the main highway for easy access. Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for your show, plus an in-house team is ready to assist with setup and take-down.

To reserve Blair County Convention Center, complete a contact form, send an email or make a quick phone call. You can ask about details like the center's nearby hotels before reserving a room block for your show participants. The staff's highly rated customer service skills help manage any event planning challenges.

4. Bayfront convention center

Anyone looking for an event in Erie can consider the Bayfront Convention Center. Business owners often use the venue for employee training, conferences and trade shows. You'll get a waterfront view that makes any of the on-site hotel rooms an excellent place to stay. The Bayfront Convention Center also has numerous staff members who welcome guests, direct traffic, check coats and even run box offices. You'll have ample support for whatever your show will need on the event date.

5. Kalahari resorts & conventions

Make your event a getaway to the Poconos with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. The venue has numerous on-site amenities to maximize your trade show schedule. Set up tables in the main ballroom or expand into the nearby junior ballrooms. You'll have plenty of natural lighting, walking space, and free parking for visitors and participants.

While you're reserving space for a trade show in Pennsylvania, remember to look for teams that will support your setup and take-down processes. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions managers direct team members to help make the ballroom event-ready. They'll also assist with loading everything back into each participant's vehicle so every step of your trade show runs smoothly.

6. Lancaster county convention center

Lancaster County Convention Center is a historic venue in Pennsylvania. It has decades of experience hosting trade shows and other big events within its spacious, elegant walls. Arrange customized menus for your participants so buffet options are ready when they arrive. Attendees will easily find the downtown Lancaster center and its numerous nearby parking garages.

7. York expo center

If you want to combine a mountainside setting with space for a trade show in Pennsylvania, contact the York Expo Center. The 87-acre property has bright green fields and views of rolling mountains. Every York Expo Center building has doors measuring 16 by 16 feet, so you can easily unload big trucks and large equipment.

Your participants and attendees will also have the best health-focused amenities, preventing illnesses from spreading at your trade show. The venue uses UVGI air filtration systems to stop viruses during big events. People will also enjoy the extra parking, beautiful views and fast Wi-Fi.

8. David L. Lawrence convention center

Pittsburgh is an excellent place for trade shows because it's home to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Event planners reserve the sprawling venue for its column-free event space and flexible floor layout capabilities. The venue is also close to the Pittsburgh International Airport and numerous downtown hotels.

If you prefer environmentally-friendly amenities, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center provides those too. On-site recycling is available, and any requested catering will use locally grown produce to reduce your trade show's environmental impact. The convention center's team members can also help suggest sustainable ways to host your event, like using nearby print shops for ordering signage that doesn't require shipping.

Reserve a space for a trade show in Pennsylvania

Once you know how to reserve a space for a trade show, you'll feel more confident while browsing Pennsylvania's best venues. Consider how much room you'll need, your budget and the amenities that would make your event even more enjoyable. You'll know which place is right for your event once you contact the venue owners for more information about your selected dates.

What Are the Best Event Venues for Corporate Meetings?

What Are the Best Event Venues for Corporate Meetings?

Finding the perfect event venue for your corporate meetings requires careful consideration of location, amenities, accessibility and reputation. The best venues provide excellent audio-visual capabilities, flexible meeting spaces, and professional decor options to accommodate gatherings of any size.

Here are some of the top event venues for corporate meetings across the United States:

1. Spooky Nook Meetings & Events

Business owners seeking venues for corporate meetings often choose Spooky Nook Meetings & Events in Manheim, Pennsylvania. Popular for "Stay + Play" packages, this venue accommodates up to 10,000 guests with 700,000 square feet of event space. The All-American Forklift & Palate Restaurant complements 135 on-site hotel rooms and suites, creating an upscale environment for corporate events.

The Warehouse Hotel, located within the sports complex, provides a comfortable stay for business guests. Visitors receive free access to the Spooky Nook Fitness Center and group classes. With complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and strategically placed meeting rooms, the hotel offers versatile spaces suitable for any corporate gathering. The Warehouse Hotel at The Nook stands out for its convenient location, professional atmosphere and comprehensive amenities.

Key Features

  • 700,000 square feet of flexible event space
  • On-site hotel with 135 rooms and suites
  • Full-service restaurant and fitness center
  • Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Multiple meeting room configurations

2. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers seven distinct event spaces accommodating 1,500 seated guests plus standing room for 5,000 more. Located near the Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park and downtown hotels, this unique venue surrounds your corporate meetings with fascinating marine life, including beluga whales.

Wolfgang Puck handles corporate catering with his "Food is Serious Business" philosophy. After meetings, the Coastline Café serves as an ideal spot for cocktail receptions, complete with projection mapping that creates the illusion of sea creatures swimming alongside guests.

Key Features

  • Seven unique event spaces
  • Wolfgang Puck catering
  • Central downtown location
  • Immersive aquatic atmosphere
  • Advanced projection technology

3. Javits Center

The Javits Center in Manhattan spans six West Side blocks with stunning NYC skyline views. Named after Senator Jacob K. Javits, this venue features a sustainable one-acre rooftop garden supplying fresh produce to their in-house catering team.

With eight event spaces hosting up to 11,000 people, the center employs thousands of skilled construction and event professionals. Their experienced staff excels at coordinating trade shows, galas, conventions and corporate meetings of all sizes.

Key Features

  • Eight versatile event spaces
  • Sustainable rooftop garden
  • In-house catering services
  • Professional event planning team
  • Prime Manhattan location

4. Ronald Reagan Building And International Trade Center

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC specializes in hosting various corporate events, from intimate meetings to large conferences. Its modern design offers impressive views of Pennsylvania Avenue from sophisticated meeting spaces.

The venue's catering team creates diverse, multi-ethnic menus suitable for any occasion. Fourteen distinct event spaces accommodate groups up to 6,000 people, combining architectural beauty with abundant natural light.

Key Features

  • Fourteen customizable spaces
  • Multi-ethnic catering options
  • Pennsylvania Avenue views
  • Natural lighting throughout
  • Central DC location

5. Omni Boston Hotel at The Seaport

The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport provides eight primary spaces totaling 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor area. Located in Boston's Seaport district near the Convention Center and Logan Airport, this venue offers convenient access for business travelers.

With 54 smaller meeting rooms, 1,054 hotel rooms and 52 suites overlooking Boston Harbor, the Omni accommodates both intimate sessions and large gatherings. The property features Boston's largest hotel ballroom and seven restaurants and bars.

Key Features

  • 54 meeting rooms of various sizes
  • Over 1,000 guest rooms and suites
  • Seven dining options
  • Harbor views
  • Airport proximity

6. Audrey Irmas Pavilion

The Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles' Koreatown combines historic charm with modern design. Eight diverse meeting spaces within its glass structure accommodate over 2,000 guests for conferences or private business meetings.

Notable features include a sunken roof garden, grand ballroom, and west terrace. Wolfgang Puck Catering provides exclusive dining services, ensuring high-quality meal preparation and presentation.

Key Features

  • Eight distinct meeting spaces
  • Sunken roof garden
  • Grand ballroom
  • Wolfgang Puck catering
  • Modern glass architecture

7. Fontainebleau Miami Beach

The Fontainebleu Miami Beach offers 1,504 rooms and suites less than 2 miles from South Beach's Art Deco District. This comprehensive venue features 12 restaurants and bars, 11 swimming pools, and a 40,000-square-foot spa for post-meeting relaxation.

The property includes 12 customizable event spaces with premium audio-visual systems and high-definition digital signage. Award-winning catering services complement the luxurious setting.

Key Features

  • 12 customizable meeting spaces
  • Advanced AV equipment
  • Multiple dining options
  • Extensive spa facilities
  • Beachfront location

Choose The Right Venue For Your Needs

The best corporate meeting venues distinguish themselves through their diverse spaces, quality accommodations, modern amenities, professional catering, and entertainment options. Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere and capabilities, allowing you to select the perfect setting for your specific corporate event requirements.

Scaling Your Business with Blockchain: The Strategic Advantage of XRP

Companies today are constantly searching for ways to expand faster and operate smarter, especially when dealing with international markets. Blockchain technology has emerged as a game-changer for business growth, and XRP from Ripple stands out as one of the most practical solutions available. Built specifically for speed, affordability, and global reach, XRP offers businesses a clear path to efficient scaling.

If you’re running a startup with international ambitions or managing a growing company that’s tired of high transaction fees and slow cross-border payments, XRP’s strategic advantages could be exactly what you need to accelerate your expansion and cut operational overhead.

Why XRP Stands Out in the Blockchain Space

XRP isn’t trying to be the next Bitcoin or compete with Ethereum’s smart contracts. It was built for one specific purpose: moving money fast and cheap. Ripple designed XRP to tackle the headaches that come with global payments, particularly for banks, payment companies, and businesses that need to move money across borders regularly.

Here’s where XRP shines: transactions complete in 3 to 5 seconds, not the days you’re used to with traditional banking. The fees are almost nothing – we’re talking fractions of a penny per transaction. And the network can process up to 1,500 transactions every second, so it won’t slow down as your business gets busier.

If you’ve ever dealt with international payments, you know the drill: high fees, long wait times, and currency conversion headaches. XRP cuts through all that complexity. Instead of going through multiple banks and currency exchanges, businesses can convert their USD to XRP, send it anywhere in the world almost instantly, and the recipient can convert it to their local currency. It’s that straightforward, and it saves both time and money.

Faster Global Payments, Better Cash Flow

As businesses scale, cash flow becomes even more important. Delays in payments—especially across borders—can tie up capital and slow down operations. XRP’s speed helps solve this issue by enabling near-instant transfers of value, even between different currencies and banking systems.

Traditional cross-border payments often rely on multiple intermediaries, such as correspondent banks. Each step adds time, fees, and risk. XRP simplifies this by using RippleNet’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution. With ODL, businesses can use XRP to bridge currencies in real time, eliminating the need to pre-fund foreign accounts.

This matters because pre-funding can be expensive. It ties up funds in multiple locations, increasing financial risk and lowering operational flexibility. By using XRP as a bridge asset, companies can free up capital, reduce costs, and improve liquidity—all critical factors when scaling.

XRP’s Role in E-Commerce and Digital Services

Online businesses, particularly those serving international customers or selling digital products, are quickly discovering XRP’s advantages. In e-commerce, speed matters – customers want instant order confirmation, and merchants need fast access to their revenue. XRP delivers on both fronts with transactions that wrap up in seconds, giving businesses immediate control over their cash flow.

Companies working with freelancers, contractors, or suppliers across different countries are finding XRP especially valuable. Instead of dealing with expensive wire transfers that take days to process, they can pay international team members almost instantly. The speed also minimizes exposure to currency swings since there’s no waiting period where exchange rates can shift against you.

As online commerce keeps expanding globally, businesses using advanced payment solutions like XRP will have a clear competitive advantage over those stuck with traditional banking systems that move at yesterday’s pace.

Improving Vendor and Supplier Relationships

Scaling often means adding new suppliers, vendors, or partners, many of whom may be located in other countries. A delayed or expensive payment process can hurt these relationships. With XRP, businesses can send payments directly to suppliers in just a few seconds. This builds trust and allows for better negotiation terms.

Moreover, using XRP for vendor payments reduces dependence on local banking systems, which may have limited operating hours or high fees for foreign transactions. It allows companies to operate on a global schedule, improving supply chain efficiency.

Reduced Operational Costs and Better Financial Planning

When scaling a business, managing costs is just as important as growing revenue. XRP can help reduce operational expenses tied to payments. By removing intermediaries and speeding up settlements, companies save both time and money.

In addition, faster payments mean more accurate financial planning. Businesses no longer have to guess when a payment will clear or hold off on making purchases until funds arrive. This improves budgeting and cash flow forecasts, key areas for growth-stage companies.

XRP also offers transparency. Each transaction is recorded on the XRP Ledger, which is public and immutable. This level of visibility helps with compliance, auditing, and monitoring costs, making your operations smoother and more trustworthy.

Ready to Scale? XRP Might Be the Edge You Need

If your business is looking to expand quickly and efficiently, especially across borders, XRP offers clear, practical benefits. Its speed, scalability, and low transaction costs make it a smart option for businesses in the digital age. From faster supplier payments to improved global cash flow, XRP gives your company the tools to grow without the friction of traditional systems.

As blockchain adoption grows and digital assets gain more regulatory support, early movers can position themselves for long-term success. Whether you’re in e-commerce, digital services, or international trade, XRP is worth a serious look as you plan your next stage of growth.

Business Continuity in Extreme Circumstances: What’s Essential and What’s Not

Having access to a myriad of cloud services is much of what makes modern organizations operate these days. And as long as those cloud resources remain online, everything’s fine.

As long as.

But what about when something goes wrong? Essential businesses cannot run on probabilities. They require certainties, even amid an uncertain world. For many critical infrastructure sectors like healthcare, energy, and water, and even those that are “too big to fail” like global stock exchanges, not having access to cloud-based assets is not an option.

But which services are critical to keeping operations online, and which are not? And, once you identify the essential ones, how do you ensure their availability even when extreme circumstances intervene?

These questions are at the crux of the business continuity discussion today.

Cloud Resources Are Great, But What’s Important?

Operating in the cloud has become the norm for most businesses in 2025. With cloud adoption currently over 94%, nearly every company everywhere has some skin in the game.

However, access to the cloud at all times is beyond any organization’s power to guarantee. In times of conflict, energy infrastructure could be hit by targeted cyberwarfare. In an earthquake, internet connectivity could be severely affected due to natural reasons.

And then there are times “in between” when power failures just happen. Just last month, Spain and Portugal experienced a mass power outage, with the cause of the problem still undetermined. Access to the internet, and therefore cloud resources, was temporarily lost (for ten hours, more than the average workday).

When those cloud-based resources are non-business critical (HR systems, perhaps), an outage is not a problem, at least not an immediate one. Companies can still stay afloat with onboarding processes pushed out until tomorrow. But what if critical players are unable to access key resources and applications, like CRMs or payment systems?

This is why Access Management and MFA are different animals, if you will. Losing access to these means losing access to ALL your resources, especially the essential ones. If you plan to ignore it (i.e., access your apps without authentication and authorization), you are putting yourself (and your business) at a big security risk. Criminals always look for the weakest point in the entire workflow. This is why cloud-based IAM should always have a backup on-premises.

Business Continuity: The Power to Work Anywhere, Anytime—No Matter What

Business continuity isn’t just about surviving a data center outage or natural disaster. It’s about ensuring people can access critical systems and data, instantly and securely, under any circumstances.

Think of real-world scenarios: a field engineer stuck without Wi-Fi, a remote employee accidentally locked out of a cloud dashboard, or a healthcare professional in an emergency who forgets their badge. These aren’t outliers, they’re daily realities.

That’s why IAM must go beyond controlling access. It must anticipate disruption, whether human, technical, or environmental, and offer seamless alternatives that maintain productivity without compromising security.

Consider this: it’s 2 a.m., and a surgeon is urgently called into the ER. But they’ve forgotten their access badge. A resilient IAM strategy doesn’t block them at the door. Instead, it offers secure fallback options, like biometric login via mobile app, desktop MFA, or even a just-in-time access call to IT. The goal? Fast, verified access that saves time and, potentially, lives.

Resilient businesses don’t rely on a single access method. They diversify IAM pathways to ensure the right people get in, securely, reliably, and without delay. That’s what makes IAM a cornerstone of true business continuity.

Continuous Business Means Continuous Access

Whether it’s a global team working across time zones or mission-critical operations running 24/7, continuous business requires uninterrupted, secure access to systems, data, and applications. Any delay, even minutes, can cascade into lost revenue, compliance issues, or reputational damage.

That’s why modern IAM must be designed for resilience, not rigidity. It must adapt to changing contexts, support multiple authentication methods, and provide fallback mechanisms when primary access paths fail. Continuous access isn’t a luxury, it’s a baseline requirement for organizations that demand agility, uptime, and trust.

Thales SafeNet Trusted Access supports all levels of the authentication journey. Smart Single Sign-On gives users the option of logging into all their cloud resources at once with a single identity, no more password resets, fatigue, or frustration. Scenario-based access policies support a broad range of authentication methods, both new and already in use. And on-premises, hybrid, and (of course) cloud deployment models allow you to have backup authentication methods for even your backups, ensuring that no matter the external factors, your employees can still log on.

Business continuity is a matter of flexibility and thinking outside the box. While which services are integral to maintaining that might be a question for your company, the ability to access those services is not a question at all; it’s a necessity.

When it comes to keeping your enterprise operational, people’s availability is as important as resource availability. To stay resilient in an uncertain digital era, organizations must adopt an identity-first mindset when engaging in business continuity discussions in the future.

Building Tomorrow’s Resilient Enterprise Today

Business continuity isn’t something you figure out when disaster strikes – it’s what you build into your operations from day one. While we can’t predict whether the next disruption will come from a cyberattack, natural disaster, or simple infrastructure failure, we can control how prepared we are to handle it.

The companies that thrive through uncertainty aren’t the ones with the most sophisticated cloud setups or the biggest IT budgets. They’re the ones that understand a simple truth: when everything else fails, people still need to get their work done. That means having multiple ways to authenticate, backup systems that work, and access policies flexible enough to handle real-world chaos.