| The biggest challenge that companies face today | | | | or unavoidable circumstances. The purpose of a |
| pertains to computer disaster recovery. The right | | | | disaster recovery plan is to usher in a sense of |
| disaster recovery plan would help retain clients | | | | security, minimize chaotic, on the spot decision |
| and boost overall confidence as companies strive | | | | making and minimizing risk of delays. |
| to resume normal activities. Disaster recovery | | | | Analysts are quick to point out that the potential |
| plan and disaster recovery software are | | | | of disaster occurrence itself can instill horrifying |
| important tools that organizations must adopt to | | | | panic as the disaster itself. To prevent such panic |
| reduce the impact of a disaster whether it | | | | relating to data loss or crisis, every organization |
| assumes the form of data loss or network | | | | should chart out a plan to address its mission |
| outage. | | | | critical operations while creating a disaster plan. |
| Computer Disaster Recovery | | | | This may also include analyzing computer-specific |
| Data loss threats are increasing day by day in the | | | | dependencies and exploring all the options. |
| form of hackers, spyware, worms, viruses and | | | | Examples include a backup call center, types of |
| spam. Disaster may also occur in natural or | | | | backup - hot or cold, data center outsourcing and |
| unexpected forms such as floods, terrorist | | | | multiplicity of data centers. All these options should |
| attacks or fires. Take the examples of Hurricane | | | | be evaluated on the basis of their cost to prepare |
| Katrina and 9/11 which must have caused | | | | a thorough, executable contingency plan. |
| extensive IT network failure, computer crash or | | | | Computer Disaster Recovery Checklist |
| hard drive loss as well. | | | | A disaster checklist should focus on the following: |
| Today's businesses operate 24X7 with the focus | | | | - Identify and classify potential disasters. |
| on maximizing productivity. For the same reason, | | | | - Identify resources that help alleviate the impact |
| it is vital not to lose track of the importance of | | | | of a disaster. |
| formulating a computer disaster recovery plan. | | | | - Find out a proper support recovery process |
| Several companies hire the services of computer | | | | which comprises communication, facilities, |
| disaster recovery agents who have expertise in | | | | personnel and technology. |
| offering alternative equipment and office space. | | | | - Open all communication channels to stem panic |
| Of course, there could be several legal issues | | | | among clients, business partners and employees. |
| involved in such contracts. So, the ideal thing | | | | - Plan alternatives of recovery after thorough |
| would be to plan effectively for computer | | | | selection and evaluation. |
| disaster. | | | | - Incorporate specific goal oriented strategies to |
| Computer Disaster Recovery Plan | | | | regain business composure. |
| A disaster plan is basically a written document | | | | - Conduct proper testing to evaluate the credibility |
| comprising various executable steps to be | | | | of the plan. |
| performed in three phases such as before, during | | | | With the right disaster software such as the |
| and after a disaster. Organizations are expected | | | | VMware virtualization software, it will be possible |
| to stay alert and well prepared to regain normalcy | | | | to save data, minimize disruptions and resume |
| within a short period of time. This will enable the | | | | normal, confident activities in a company. |
| companies to protect the backup in any avoidable | | | | |