No business wants to be affected by a large-scale data-loss disaster without an appropriate plan set in place for such an occasion. A disaster like this is a very real threat that has been the downfall of many businesses to date. In fact, a devastating 93% of businesses - SMEs and large enterprises alike - that aren't prepared for disaster, are forced to go out of business within just one year of their data being ravaged by an unexpected disaster. Your business can avoid being a part of this devastating statistic by taking the appropriate precautionary measures to protect its data.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A 'DISASTER'?
'Disaster' is a fairly broad term. Its usage can cover the appalling capabilities of natural disasters, such as floods, fires and hurricanes, to man-made disasters. This could be anything from an accidental error to a nefarious attempt at sabotage.

Without a practical disaster recovery plan set in place, any of the above which results in a significant disruption and data loss, is likely to put your business in jeopardy.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
The traditional process of protecting your business' essential files is exceptionally outdated. Considering the heavily demanding data-load, and even multiple data centres, that many businesses work with, it is in their best interest to implement the most efficient method of data recovery.

There is a considerable selection of cloud-based alternatives available to the public, as well as a variety of trusted software, including PeerSoftware's PeerSync and GuruSquad's GS RichCopy 360 Enterprise. These programmes clone and protect your data independently, leaving minimal room for human error.

THINK AHEAD
A successful disaster recovery plan should allow for a seamless continuation of your business' critical operations after a data-loss disaster. Recovery or resumption of critical technology infrastructure and systems should be guaranteed.

Adequate preparation for a data-loss disaster is often dismissed as the initial cost can seem daunting, but this neglect could result in the downfall of your business if disaster strikes! Whilst it is unlikely that such a disaster will happen, you can never be sure that it won't.

ADAPTABILITY
It's imperative that your disaster recovery plans can be adjusted to account for your developing business. As a business expands, develops more data centres, or even launches overseas, the disaster recovery plan must adapt to these prospects. Data recovery software products can easily account for an infinite amount of data, meaning you can avoid any monotonous manual changes by incorporating one into your business.

KNOW YOUR OWN BUSINESS
When developing an exemplary disaster recovery plan, it is essential that you extensively review all of your company's core departments. Every department contributes to the mass of data that keeps your business running, meaning they all require thorough evaluation and consideration when developing a disaster recovery plan. From sales and accounting to purchasing and HR; every department plays a key role in the structure of your business and needs to be protected from a potential data-loss disaster.

ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT!
Seeking professional advice is never a bad idea when it comes to disaster recovery. An extensive business-understanding does not equal substantial experience in data recovery. If a disaster strikes before you realise you need help, it will already be too late.

Disaster recovery software offerings, such as those mentioned above can provide their users with customer service teams who are prepared to assist any business struggling with the harsh realities of disaster recovery.
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