Data recovery is not a straightforward matter of simply running data recovery software on a backup appliance. Implementing a practical data recovery system that works and is affordable requires adherence to certain time-tested strategies. Here are four tips for implementing a workable and effective data recovery plan.
1. Expect the best and prepare for the worst.
Optimism is a good trait in life and business, but a very bad one in data recovery. A good data recovery plan needs to take into account the worst that can happen and have a plan of action to deal with those situations. The disaster that leads to data loss could be anything from a hurricane to power loss, or cybercriminals encrypting the data for ransom or even rats gnawing away the network cable. However, not all plans need to incorporate all contingencies. For instance, a data center in the middle of the Mojave Desert is unlikely to require measures to safeguard against flood inundation.
2. Rate data by importance and recover in that order.
In any business, there is some data that is more important than other data. As such, recovering all data the same way is foolish. Rate or tier the data on hand in order of criticality and importance, and give recovery priority to the most critical data. Some data, which would cause no serious damage, even if lost, can safely be excluded from the recovery plan.
3. Keep the goal in mind.
Data recovery is all about trying to save valuable data in the eventuality it gets lost for whatever reason. The process of doing so is secondary as long as the objectives are met. Many companies make the mistake of being fixated on a specific process or system, even when that system may not be adequate to cover all contingencies. Never limit the number of checks or audits of the recovery processes to see whether the system is working. Make sure that the data is actually saved! Also, have a Plan B and train employees to improvise should the need arise.
4. Have additional resources available.
It is foolish to try and control everything. There are many elements in the infrastructure outside the control of the enterprise, and there are many situations which are impossible to protect your organization from or foresee in the future. It is a good idea to have additional resources and be able to tap into resources outside the organization’s infrastructure. A cloud backup plan is the most basic example of these partnerships, but there are many options for backup and recovery solutions.
It is not enough to simply have strategies in place for data recovery. These strategies have to be affordable, practical and workable. STORServer offers comprehensive and flexible data recovery solutions that work across all platforms and suit many different types of businesses. Contact us for more information today.
