DISASTER RECOVERY
Use our guide to find the best IT Solution for you
What is Disaster Recovery?
The technological systems and databases that support modern business are pretty sophisticated, yet they are still vulnerable to the threat of natural catastrophes, equipment malfunctions and even more devious threats like cyber attacks. Disaster recovery is a process of protecting IT systems and the companies that depend on them from these threats.
As qualified professionals in this field, we work with our clients to assemble the most appropriate recovery plan that will include documenting procedures and policies that will maintain your IT integrity and reduce the severity of the damage should your systems suffer damage. This will help to get your business back online and operational swiftly.
An IT Systems disaster can mean that time, resources and even valuable customers and business is lost due to time spent recovering data and rebuilding the integral IT department that may be in shambles, disaster recovery works to create a plan that will mitigate the damages and expedite the smooth function of the enterprise once again.
A plan may include a speedy restoration of the basic most relevant data the company requires to resume operations. For more information on the steps used to create a formidable recovery plan visit Computerweekly.com.
Who Would Benefit From Disaster Recovery?
In this techno era, it is obvious that the smooth function of a company is largely dependent on their ability to quickly access and interface with their stored electronic data—some of which is essential for operations. Having a plan that ensures this vital electronic data is restored as fast as possible will help to circumvent a long wait in the “Pitstop” making no progress while getting repairs done.
To do this, a contingency plan must be formulated to the exact measurements of the company’s needs, considering all the software, hardware, electronic devices and servers connected to the network. This contingency plan must include a backed up and regularly updated store of essential data that can support your operating systems in the event of disaster.
To make this plan we will first understand which are the necessary steps to restoring operations to the business, these include backing up vital data from all servers and mainframes, performing Business Impact Analysis or Risk Assessments to help chart out the most essential areas needed for functionality after an incident.
The Disaster Recovery plan is a part of a much larger business continuity plan which encompasses the procedures and safe measures that will keep a company up and running even in the face of direct attacks and disasters. This is an important part of keeping a company successfully meeting deadlines and making profits.
But, do I need Disaster Recovery?
This is not just added armor for the large ponderous corporations at the top, small businesses are also the targets of random catastrophes and targeted cyber crimes. Many top IT analysts claim that a single disaster if severe enough or simply at the worst time possible is enough to sink the boat. Today there is a much larger threat of software issues relating to security breaches and the latest strain of computer virus.
If you are not sure the threat of disaster is real, take a moment to peruse the following scathing statistics gleaned from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
- 43% of Companies that experience a disaster will never recover.
- 90% of companies that suffer a loss of data will be forced to shut down within 2 year.
- 50% of companies experiencing a computer outage will shut down within 5 years.
- Less than 50% of all companies have a disaster recovery plan.
- 40% do not have a crisis management plan or any contingency measures for the event of a disaster.
- 43% of business continuity plans are not tested annually for companies that do have them.
- 80% of business haven’t developed any crisis management system so IT runs sufficiently to keep the business functionally effectively.
Source: London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Price of Down Time
Businesses without a proper disaster recovery plan as part of a business continuity plan are at risk of becoming another statistic. A disaster that is unforeseen can cost a company as many as five days off the grid, suffering from a lack of productivity.
Imagine 5 days with no work business or profits; there is no way to access the vital client lists and nothing for all your employees to do but go home and twiddle their thumbs as your crippled business is nursed to health once more.
This is not even including the cost of the repair work, a team of engineers or even a single repairman can run up quite a bill of £3000 for 5 days work, in addition to any equipment that needs to be replaced. Can you really afford to not have a disaster recovery plan in place?
