| Disaster can strike at anytime and in most cases | | | | Work with your managed service provider- |
| with little or no warning. While we may be able to | | | | Managed service providers offer many services |
| predict certain weather systems or anticipate | | | | that are vital to your day-to-day operations. A |
| general problems such as power outages, for the | | | | good managed service provider will offer |
| most part it is almost impossible to know when a | | | | suggestions and advice on how to develop your |
| disaster will strike. To protect your clients and | | | | BCP and what services they can provide in the |
| your business in the event of an emergency you | | | | event of a disaster. Getting your business up and |
| must cover all the basics before disaster strikes. | | | | running requires the resumption of |
| Both managed service providers and the | | | | communications, data, applications and hardware |
| companies they support should have a business | | | | which is more than likely supported by your |
| continuity plan (BCP) as well as a disaster | | | | managed service provider. |
| recovery plan to contain the damage that results | | | | Develop, test and update your BCP- Once you |
| from man made or natural disasters. Here we | | | | have identified your immediate needs during or |
| discuss the need for such a plan and what you | | | | after an emergency you can develop your BCP |
| can do to ensure your business stays up and | | | | with information provided by your managed |
| running following an emergency. | | | | service provider. Writing a BCP is just the first |
| Understand the need- Many companies are so | | | | step. Your entire staff must be prepared for a |
| busy in the here and now they fail to think about | | | | disaster and trained accordingly. Mandatory training |
| the "what ifs" that could be right around the | | | | and testing is needed to spot weaknesses in the |
| corner. When the sun is shining brightly and | | | | plan. Once you feel your plan is effective and |
| everything is working in tip top form, it is easy to | | | | everyone is prepared for a disaster, don't fall into |
| overlook the need for a business continuity plan. | | | | a false sense of security. Your BCP should be |
| Unfortunately if you wait until you need a plan to | | | | routinely tested and updated to reflect your |
| devise a plan it will be too late. A business | | | | current operating systems. |
| continuity plan will outline the steps your company | | | | Disaster recovery plans and business continuity |
| will take immediately after a disaster takes place. | | | | plans are necessary if you want your business |
| This plan will determine how you will continue | | | | and company to make it through any number of |
| operations as well as recover and restore any | | | | natural or man made disasters. By working closely |
| data that was compromised. Without a plan of | | | | with your managed service provider you can rest |
| action for the minutes, hours and days | | | | assured that all your bases are covered when |
| immediately following a disaster, your business will | | | | disaster strikes. |
| likely not survive. | | | | |