Business Continuity Requires Disaster Recovery Planning

Many companies don’t recognize that unprotected software and data can be a significant threat to their future. Data backup protects not just a company’s proprietary information, but also that of its vendors, partners and customers. A Disaster  Recovery Plan will help maintain business continuity in the face of an attack, and help them recover faster from that breach. The recent incidents of international hacking demonstrate how disastrous a digital crime can be. Investing in a digital protection system for both back up and disaster recovery demonstrates corporate comprehension of the risks involved with breaches in data security.

Data Backup is Critical

Every company stores millions of bits of data electronically, including customer identification, credit information, inventory and expense data, etc. Loss of any or all of that original data could cause the demise of the enterprise. There are many options available regarding formats for backup systems. In-house backup systems can be as simple as an external hard drive or as complex as duplication of the entire original computer configuration. More complexity is more expensive, but also promises faster recovery and less actual loss when a disaster occurs. Secure off-site servers offer data storage away from the home office, so challenges at the storefront won’t cause loss of company information. There may be more expense involved, but there are many variables in how to use this “cloud” storage that can help keep costs manageable.

Disaster Happens

Even with an excellent backup system in place, having a disaster recovery plan in place before disaster strikes will  minimize damage and quickly get the company back in operation. A disaster of any size can shut down operations for hours or days, interrupting services and impeding clients. A Disaster Recovery plan can reduce the losses by detailing expectations of staff and management when a technical crisis occurs, whether it be a digital hack or a physical intervention like a fire. Usually, the plan identifies a Disaster Response Team which is responsible for  coordinating the company wide effort to contain and repair damage. Team membership can include upper-level management to communicate across the company; technology staff to redirect data away from affected servers; security staff to protect physical assets, and even a public relations representative to assure the public that their data is unco mpromised.

The ultimate field of business competition is now digital, and successful businesses will invest in technology to ensure that their digital structure has the same high quality as the products and services they sell.  Contact us to find out how we can be a part of a Disaster Recovery plan to protect your business and your future.