Disaster Strike Anytime – Be Prepared

World events in the last few years teach us that at any moment a disaster could strike.  A smart IT Systems Manager would have built a business continuity plan into his scheme of operations, by providing for a sound, tested disaster recovery plan.  What are the essential features of a sound Disaster Recovery Plan?

 Preserve Data:

 For any reason if the business network fails, then the data it contains as well as continuity of data is of paramount importance to restore normality of operations.

 Data Backup:

 For businesses which handle a large volume of data, hourly, daily, weekly or monthly backups may not be enough for effective disaster recovery.  Ideally, data backup should be on a continual, real time basis.

 Detection of Disasters:

 The disaster may affect only one part of business operations but could have a domino effect.   Therefore, quick detection and recovery is important.  In-built diagnostic tools will alert the Systems Manager immediately.

Offsite Location:

 Having a back-up site at a different geographical location will help in disaster recovery in case the damage to the primary site is too extensive for immediate recovery.  The offsite location will give time to re-locate with minimal loss of business continuity.

 WAN Redundancy:

 More important than physical locations is the redundancy available in communication lines.  This is vital for business continuity and disaster recovery.  Seamless redundancy will ensure that business operations are not affected.

 Employee Training:

 Every employee should be given adequate training on the disaster recovery plan.  In the event of a crucial employee being incapacitated, there should be backups in the chain of command to take over.

 Disaster Recovery – Awareness and Attention:

 Complacency is the weakest link in disaster recovery and business continuity.  Employees should be constantly reinforced about the disaster recovery plan and its importance.  Regular drills should be a part of employee training.

 A disaster could strike any time.  A smart organization is prepared for the worst and will recover in the shortest possible time.

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