Disasters can take several different forms. Some
primarily impact individuals -- e.g., hard drive meltdowns -- while others have a larger,
collective impact. Disasters can occur such as power outages, floods, fires, storms, equipment
failure, sabotage, terrorism, or even epidemic illness. Each of these can at the very least
cause short-term disruptions in normal business operation. But recovering from the impact of
many of the aforementioned disasters can take much longer, especially if organizations have not
made preparations in advance.
Most of us recognize these potential problems as
possibilities. Unfortunately the randomness of some of these disasters lulls some organizations
into a sense of false security-"that's not likely to happen here." However, if proper
preparations have been made, the disaster recovery process does not have to be exceedingly
stressful. Instead the process can be streamlined, but this facilitation of recovery will only
happen where preparations have been made. Organizations that take the time to implement
disaster recovery plans ahead of time often ride out catastrophes with minimal or no loss of
data, hardware, or business revenue. This in turn allows them to maintain the faith and
confidence of their customers and investors.
Disaster Recovery Planning is the factor that makes the critical difference
between the organizations that can successfully manage crises with minimal cost and effort and
maximum speed, and those that are left picking up the pieces for untold lengths of time and at
whatever cost providers decide to charge; organizations forced to make decision out of
desperation.
Detailed disaster recovery plans can prevent many of the heartaches and
headaches experienced by an organization in times of disaster. By having practiced plans, not
only for equipment and network recovery, but also plans that precisely outline what steps each
person involved in recovery efforts should undertake, an organization can improve their
recovery time and minimize the time that their normal business functions are disrupted. Thus it
is vitally important that disaster recovery plans be carefully laid out and regularly updated.
Organizations need to put systems in place to regularly train their network engineers and
mangers. Special attention should also be paid to training any new employees who will have a
critical role in the disaster recovery process.
