An unexpected loss of data is a scary situation that no business wants to encounter. Unfortunately, these situations often occur outside of anyone’s control (human error and natural disasters are a couple of examples that come to mind). This is why it is so important for every business to implement a disaster recovery plan. A disaster recovery plan will ensure that your vital data is backed up and available for re-implementation in the event of a major catastrophe.

Peace of mind

A disaster recovery plan is all about getting your office back up and running as soon as possible in the event of data lost. It’s about being prepared for the worst. The mindset of “it could never happen to us” will only get you into trouble down the road if a disaster strikes. A disaster recovery plan will provide business owners with peace of mind knowing that they can access their business documents no matter what.

These recovery plans don’t need to be overly complicated; it’s more about implementing a plan that works best to protect your business’s vital data. Additionally, disaster recovery plans can do even more than prepare companies for disasters; check out some other ways a recovery plan can benefit your business.

Get your recovery plan started

Now that we have discussed the importance of a recovery plan, it’s time to look at how a plan should be implemented. Every recovery plan is different based on company size and specific needs. Here are steps to take that will help determine the type of recovery plan that your business.

Find a disaster recovery company. A disaster recovery company will provide expertise in building a plan that will keep your business up and running in the event of a disaster or emergency. They will work with your in-house team to set up a series of procedures that will walk you through the ins and outs of what to do after disaster strikes.

  1. Assess your risks. Utilize your disaster recovery company to properly analyze the risks relevant to your company. This will help mold a plan to minimize the risks that could occur with a disaster.
  2. Think ahead. This step is all about putting various precautions into place. Make sure your data is regularly backed up to a cloud-based platform and an offsite location if possible. Make sure virus protection and firewalls are implemented wherever possible. Check surge protectors and battery backups. Make sure all hardware is properly locked up away from any potentially prying hands.
  3. Maintain regular contact with your disaster recovery company. Stay up-to-date on any changes with your services provider—such as vendor changes or updated company procedures. Your disaster recovery company will provide regular audits to maintain a good plan. When these audits take place, take the opportunity to update them with any relevant changes regarding the operations of your company.

 

If you’re in the San Francisco area and are looking to get started with a disaster recovery plan for your company, contact Golden Gate Office Solutions today.