The Value of Both Backups and Disaster Recovery Plans

It is vital to create backups in every area of your business. From the regular backups of data to prevent any loss or breach to backing up relevant documents to have concrete proof of process, as well as other important components like financial documents. But backups are not the only piece of the puzzle.

Disaster recovery is also pivotal to the success of a business, should it face any difficulty. But there are notable differences between the two. What are the differences between backups and a disaster recovery plan?

The Definition of a Backup Plan

By its very definition, a backup plan’s purpose is to provide help or support should Plan A go awry. Backups can consist of a copy of a file or another item of data in case the original is damaged or lost. In other words, it provides extra support.

The Definition of a Disaster Recovery Plan

A disaster recovery plan is more than a series of backup plans. A disaster recovery plan is a well-documented and structured approach that will describe how a business can resume work after an incident that is unplanned. It is an essential component of a business continuity plan. It comprises plans for every part of the business, from the technology to the personnel and everything that runs through it.

A disaster recovery plan aims to help a business resolve any issue, whether it is data loss or a natural disaster, so that it can perform in the aftermath of an incident, even if it is at a minimal level.

Many organizations choose to get outside help by working with a local IT company in New Haven to create their disaster recovery plan for their technology, including putting secure backups in place. While organizations may be able to create the personnel side of their disaster recovery plan on their own, it is highly recommended to work with IT professionals to protect your data and processes in the case of an emergency.

Why Is It Important to Have Both in Your Business?

You may think that having one is beneficial over the other. For example, if you have a backup you wouldn’t necessarily need a disaster recovery plan, right? In fact, having both is essential.

Backups . . . 

• Provide a short-term solution that doesn’t require complying with lengthy rules and regulations.
• Are an easy way to keep the business going should there be any immediate threats, therefore, minimizing downtime.
• Are a cost-effective way to keep your business going in the immediate aftermath of a data breach or loss of productivity.

A disaster recovery plan . . . 

• Prepares a business for a broad range of threats. From data breaches to terrorist attacks, having a bible that defines what a company can do, in actionable and understandable steps, will prepare it for a diverse range of threats. From physical device damage to natural disasters and conflict in the workplace, a disaster recovery plan means that a business has conducted its due diligence to protect itself.
• Addresses a business’s vulnerabilities. By conducting a disaster recovery plan is in effect planning for the worst but also providing some stark realizations about a business’s failings.
• Provides the worst-case scenario and shows how a business can keep afloat.

Backups are very useful in the short-term but they can provide limited support as far as the business is concerned. This is where a combination of backups and disaster recovery plans are vital.