How to Recover Your Business

Advances in technology have created a business atmosphere that demands constant, consistent availability. Companies have developed a seamlessly integrated data stream that allows their employees to access vital information in the office, on the road and even at home. Access to customer information, contract clauses and other proprietary data are necessary when running a business. A disaster recovery plan ensures that access to these tools is never limited.

Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery centers provide secure, redundant, technology safeguards of vital business infrastructure. Organizations of all sizes entrust their greatest assets to data recovery and protection providers. Secure back-up servers, fiber networks, workspace and office equipment are provided to clients of disaster recovery centers when it is most needed. When faced with a disaster that makes “business as usual” impossible, the ability to access stored data files and congregate in a business environment becomes vital.

In the event of a disaster, businesses recover by getting back online as quickly and efficiently as possible. The employment of a robust disaster recovery firm makes this possible.

Choosing a Disaster Recovery Firm

The first step in selecting a disaster recovery provider is to determine the needs of the business. To do so, evaluate your current methods of data storage, security, and disaster recovery. Once a current baseline is established, use the information to choose a firm that best fills the gaps and meets the needs of the business, its employees and the customers.

Disaster Recovery Firm Considerations:

Location

Ideally, a disaster recovery center is located in an area with a low risk of natural disasters. The immediate area surrounding the center should also provide a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and retailers. These are valuable resources when working at the data center is necessary due to a natural disaster at your primary office building. Availability of business and technology talent is also a consideration. Although not critical, incentives such as low taxes, favorable climate and price should also be investigated.

Reliability

Reliability is a central factor when choosing a data center. Optimal data centers have access to multiple internet providers. They are configured to sustain an influx of multiple companies at the same time and provide each company with the secure, private area needed to conduct business. Both mechanical and electrical systems must have multi-level redundancy setups. This ensures that data, hardware and software are always accessible.

Investigate the disaster recovery center’s plan for maintenance and corrective action. Should an emergency arise the needed data is unavailable, it is crucial to know that center has an executable plan in place and what it entails.

Redundant Utilities

Power, water and network accesses should have redundant inputs and sources. The best disaster recovery centers utilize no less than two sources for each the listed utilities and each source has a separate means of accessing the facility. This ensures maximum availability.

Network

Carrier-neutral facilities have access to multiple network providers, with access comes power. Facilities that are carrier-neutral give customers the power to demand better prices, leverage the fastest speeds and ensure availability.

Security

Securing the facility from the outside is just the first step. Fences, guards and alarms deter criminal activity. Once inside the facility, closed-circuit cameras, multi-level authentication requirements and mantraps ensure that the access is closely monitored. Understanding the security procedures of the disaster recovery center is vital.

Staffr
Optimal disaster recovery centers have staff on-hand and available 24/7/365. This ensures that there is always someone available to troubleshoot problems, service equipment and answer concerns.

Corporate Ownership

Ownership by an interested and active data management and technology driven company limits the risk that the disaster recovery center will be afflicted by significant turnover rates or frequent equipment changes, both of which compromise the security of the firm.

Recover Without Worry

An excellent relationship with an outstanding disaster recovery firm allows the seamless operation of business even in the wake of a disaster. Often, the price of a disaster is compounded by lost customers and lost orders during an unavoidable downtime. This loss is mitigated through proper planning and an excellent service provider.