Business Preparedness with Continuity and Disaster Recovery

The true currency in business today is data. Large and small companies alike operate based on large amounts of information. Customer contacts, inventory databases and transaction records are a few examples of the types of data used. This widespread dependence on data creates susceptibility. Real-world disasters occur that impact the access and usability of important business information. Planning for such events can mean the difference between survival and complete failure.

Companies in some Texas cities are creating contingency strategies like a disaster recovery plan Dallas and business continuity plans to prepare for unanticipated disruptive events. Business continuity planning is about maintaining vital business functions and processes following an unforeseen disruption. A disaster recovery plan focuses on fixing or replacing information technology assets that support business operations. Businesses can find IT help in Dallas to develop these kinds of plans.

Carrying on Business After a Disaster

If something like a tornado takes out the offices of a business, how do they recover? That’s what business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning is about. In continuity planning, companies analyze their operations to identify critical functions that must continue for their business to remain viable. Once identified, a plan is created to carry on those functions in the event of a disruption. This may involve relocating staff or using alternative communications protocols. The goal is to have measures in place that allow the company to continue operating after disaster strikes.

Information Technology Recovery

Heavy reliance on data in business operations makes information technology assets particularly important and vulnerable. If a tornado destroys the office computers there needs to be some contingency plan to replace that equipment. This is the disaster recovery plan. It must include not only hardware but software and backups of vital data as well. Many companies use off-site backups to prepare for these scenarios. Also, using standardized hardware throughout a company makes finding and acquiring replacements faster and easier.

Does the Plan Work?

Once a business continuity plan and a disaster recovery plan are formed and in place, it is also important to test them. Running exercises can uncover unexpected holes and unanticipated weaknesses. After an exercise, analyzing what happened and how to address the gaps will strengthen the plan and improve its effectiveness.

Being Prepared Pays Off

Disaster preparedness imagines and plans for the worst kinds of events. In the business world, where data is king, this kind of planning requires a thorough understanding of what makes the business run. A thorough analysis of operations must be undertaken to identify crucial processes and equipment. Only then can a plan be forged to keep the company running if disaster strikes.