End Of The Year Disaster Recovery Preparedness

As the end of the year approaches, it is a good idea to think about implementing a yearly check up on your data backup and disaster recovery process. Often times, we put things in place and then it goes on the back burner. Can you rest assured that if disaster struck you would be up and running again with no problems? Most of us cannot answer “yes” to that.

Everyday Backup and Disaster Recovery Habits

There is so much to do that we do not always take the time that we should to check on the details. We may have a data backup plan in place, but if it is never tested you could be out of luck if a disaster strikes. Paper documents are susceptible to environmental threats. Often times we save items to our desktop instead of where it should really go. Here is a check list of items that you should be doing periodically, and especially at the close of each year in preparation for the next, to help you make sure you have all your bases covered:

• Be sure to scan in copies of all your important paper documents. Tax season is always an optimal time to do this.
• Check to see that all of your employees have saved documents to a folder that is backed up.
• Update and then back up all of your contacts. Then, make sure that your contacts are included in your periodic backup process.
• Put together a disaster preparedness kit for the office with essentials like first aid, a fire extinguisher, a radio, flashlights, emergency contacts and water. Check fire alarms.

Backup System Fire Drill

The most daunting task of all is doing a dry run of your disaster recovery system, also known as a “fire drill”. Here at Votacall we offer a disaster recovery planning solution customized to your needs for both voice and data. Even though you might have something in place it is imperative to check on how things are running. Sometimes, something very small and unexpected can interrupt your processes. You might not find out your backup and disaster recovery plan isn’t working before disaster strikes – and then it will be too late. With 2015 just around the corner, it is a great idea to try and recover your important documents just as you would if your entire computer system was compromised.

Address Areas of Weakness

Once you have done a backup system fire drill you will have a good idea of where your weak points are. You will have to do this yearly and make modifications as needed, unless you work with us and our Ultimate Data Redundancy plan (if you do, we’ll take care of the details for you). This check list can help you make sure you are thorough:

• Make a list of backup vulnerabilities
• Double check that each computer system is fully updated
• Develop a plan for how your company will operate if a real disaster does strike. Be sure to include building disasters, virus infiltration or environmental disasters.
• Take into account your corporate functions and determine how long they can be down before your business is affected

Taking time out of your busy schedule to check on your backup plan is not fun. No one likes to do it! Unfortunately, it’s necessary. The upside is that as a business owner you can rest easy at night knowing that no matter what you will be prepared.