No matter how well prepared, every business is susceptible to disaster. Malicious fire, flooding or theft can leave a business in a precarious position, not to mention the potential danger of modern cyber-threats to an organisation’s infrastructure. So what can be done to ensure business continuity in the event of disaster?

Data Management and Recovery

The widespread access to cloud computing is a recent technological development that has hugely benefited the business world. This is where data is stored in a managed network online, allowing anyone who is affiliated with the network to access their files remotely, from any location with internet access.

If your business has not started using a cloud system, the time to start is now. Using cloud computing allows for data to be stored securely online, meaning there is no danger of losing data through hardware failure, i.e. computer crashes, theft or hard drive damage.

In addition to this, if the worst happens and a business is forced to close its office doors, those with broadband at home (74% of adults in the UK) can continue to work, minimising disruption as much as possible.

Disaster Recovery Software

However secure a company’s cloud network is, data should always be backed up in several locations via a fully managed data backup service. One of the most common methods of backing-up data is the use of disaster recovery (DR) servers.

In cases where data has been lost, recovery is key. Remote data centres can replicate and store data as it is created, allowing for a back-up to be instantly available in the event of an outage. DR servers can be fired up within minutes allowing instant access to important files when they are needed.

Business Continuity Strategies

Every business should have a plan in place for the unlikely event of a fire or flood damage, and there are specialist providers who can help to plan for such an occurrence. If your organisation is currently with a managed service provider, with an MPLS network and cloud access, then a disaster recovery strategy should be a standard consideration. Some of the arrangements that can be made include:

Flexible staff resourcing - Shared functions (receptionist, call centre, help desk, etc.) can usually be resourced from any office. If there is an outage at one location, staff from another office can immediately cover duties, and there will be minimal interruption in service to customers.

Hot desking - This is where, through unified communications, staff can move between offices and log in locally if their office is out of action. So if one office suffers an outage, an alternative location able to accommodate the extra volume of staff can be utilised.

Home working - As previously mentioned, it is entirely feasible for staff to work from home, providing they have the access to data that they need. A common solution is that employees can be provided with a VoIP home phone at low monthly cost, which allows them to work from home, as they would in the office.

With data at the heart of every business, a solid disaster recovery strategy in not just advisable, it is essential. Not only for the benefits of business continuity, but for the financial security of employees and owner alike.