The need for data backup in case of equipment failure, human error or other unforeseen disasters is commonly recognized by network administrators. Whether it is a small enterprise or a large corporation, protecting business data is absolutely critical; it is the life of the company.

But too often at DataRAID we receive the results of a data disaster that occurred in a company well aware of the need for data backup. How can that be? It usually occurs because the organization considered the existence of data backup equipment and competent personnel adequate protection against data loss. What was missing? A thoroughly tested Data Recovery Plan.

A solid Data Recovery Plan should be the first priority of any network administrator, ready to be turned to in case of disaster. Just as an individual or company insists on having insurance that clearly spells out what the coverage is and how it will be delivered, a Data Recovery Plan is         pre-planned protection against the day you hope will never arrive, but which you can't afford to pretend will never come. Any shortcuts in this area are sheer folly.

Proper data recovery planning is not a simple task. Much analysis may be required to determine what data is most critical and how quickly the information must be restored. The analysis must consider the sensitivity of the business to the duration of the interruption - although it is easy to say that all data must be restored immediately, that is not a plan, just a wish. Considerable thought and planning should be invested in the study of business continuation alternatives during an outage of any length.

We sometimes encounter organizations which already have a plan, but have little idea how it was generated, and what was taken into consideration. Such a plan, almost certainly will not be adequate for many scenarios of data loss. Often an existing plan is too complicated to fully understand. Imagine how much more difficult it will be to implement such a plan in the midst of a disaster!

Good plans follow a logical process. A Data Recovery Plan that provides proper protection involves careful analysis, thoughtful preparation and thorough testing. At DataRAID, we constantly see the results of failure in any of the steps to creating an effective plan. We can help you formulate the Date Recovery Plan that fits your company and provides the protection the continuation of your business demands. Contact us to help you formulate your Data Recovery Plan.