In the early 1990’s, as companies across the U.S. prepared for Y2K (or year 2000), business managers and information technology managers began to realize the importance of recovering computing systems, networks and data. At the time, many business owners lived in fear that when they flipped on the computer switch at the turn of the Century, something bad would happen.
Although nothing bad came into fruition, it was a real wake-up call for IT executives, because these people realized that a very calculated and disciplined approach was an essential part of doing business. Even the slightest or smallest loss of data would be enough to put anyone out of business. As a result, managers were compelled to think about some of their business processes, manpower, facilities, and equipment needed to help restore valuable data and information.
The following are some proactive measures you can take as a business owner:
1. Perform a risk assessment of your business processes and systems. In other words, you should sit down and identify and review them for susceptibility. Ask questions like:
- What older equipment needs to be replaced?
- What kinds of data need to be backed up daily?
- Do I have an outside storage place for the data in case of a fire or emergency?
2. Begin to identify some of the steps you need to take for data restoration and recovery. For example, make sure all of your valuable data is backed up and store in a secure, off-site location. During this time, you’ll need to evaluate different options for storage, including data recovery systems, Internet storage devices, and managed storage. Also be sure that your Internet Service Providers have well-tested contingency plans in case of an emergency.
When it comes to data recovery, you can never be too cautious. As a business owner, do everything you can to protect your data; you’ll be glad you did.