There’s no telling what might happen next or when the next disaster is going to rear its ugly head.  The only way to be ahead of the game is to be prepared.  When it comes to your data, preparedness means backup and recovery.  This tool allows you to replicate and store your data in more than one location in any event that a disaster should strike and wipe out your existing hardware.  Then as soon as the dust clears and you want to go back to business as usual, retrieving your stored data should be easy enough to do.

When it comes to the larger corporations, a disaster preparedness plan is ten times as crucial.  Backup and recovery for such a massive enterprise requires more planning, more forethought and numerous modifications before you can hit on the exact specifications that will tailor fit your company.  Below is a checklist of what needs to be considered in creating a backup and recovery plan for your organization.

  • Predict possible breakdown scenarios.  This is the time to think of the worst thing that could happen as a result of major data loss.  Once you have your worst scenarios you will be prepared for the smallest of disasters.
  • What do you consider critical data?  In large corporations, it is impossible and also not feasible to save every single piece of data.  This is why you have to consider which of it deserves to get included in your backup and recovery action plan.
  • Set backup schedules to determine frequency.  Depending on what kind of backup and recovery action plan you have, it is best to establish a regular schedule for backing up as well as testing for recovery procedures.
  • Know the different kinds of backup options.  Is your company going to benefit from a full backup or will it be better to do incremental backups?  Knowing these things will help you hone down and perfect your backup and recovery action plan.
  • Will you choose to do backup and recovery internally or outsource to third party service providers?  While both has their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your backup and recovery needs and your willingness to leverage additional resources, doing your homework and studying each option is always wise before committing to anything.
  • Be aware.  Even if you entrust your backup and recovery action plan to an outsourced company, it is always good to keep up a constant stream of open communication with your provider to make sure they know you’re on top of things and expect your terms and conditions as stated on your service level agreements.