The Technology Interest Group’s Disaster Recovery & Backup Webinar was presented by Fred Holzsager from Holzsager Technology Services, LLC. During the webinar, Mr. Holzsager highlighted the various types of data and system backup methods available as well as the importance of proper planning to minimize business downtime in the event of a disaster. The webinar provides a comprehensive look at everything a business should consider when planning for disasters, both natural or man-made.
Some key takeaways from the webinar include the following:
Understand the Various Backup and Storage Methods
The webinar reviewed the difference between file/folder backups, images, and virtualization. Where file/folder backups are limited to saving specific documents, pictures, etc., images and virtualization allow a business to recover a complete hard drive or server (files, software, etc.). In addition to determining the type of backup method, a business must decide between a local or cloud solution. A local solution may include saving files to an external hard drive, where a cloud solution will save files or a hard drive image to another location accessible via the internet.
Identify what needs to be backed up and how often
Disasters can be caused by numerous events - viruses, theft, fire, even staff error or sabotage. To be safe, almost everything should be backed up. Some specific items for backup include financial information, the business website, legal documents, client files, and product specifications. Since you can only recover to the most recent backup, backups should be made as often as possible. Mr. Holzager advised to backup as frequently as you would want to re-enter to re-create data. Oftentimes, it is best to backup several times per day.
Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
Disaster Recovery is more than just taking backups. A Disaster Recovery Plan is a plan with a process that must be documented, understood, and even practiced. The plan takes equipment, employees, clients, vendors, and insurance policies into consideration. It also includes steps a business can take beforehand to reduce the potential impact of a disaster. The key advise provided is to "plan and think ahead".
Understanding the risks and the options is the first step to an effective disaster recovery policy. You can access the Disaster Recovery & Backup Webinar and handouts for detailed information about getting started with disaster recovery planning.
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