The good thing about DRaaS (disaster recovery as a service) is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all model you have to use. In a nutshell, DRaaS stores and backs up your data and information in a cloud-based program so it can be easily recovered and used in the event of a disaster. Most disaster recovery providers will give you options based on the needs of your company so you’ll always know you are getting customized service. This is important to note because a law firm or a bank will likely need more resources and backup than a small independent shop. Some companies would rather keep their in-house IT staff, but more of them are turning toward outsourcing for a variety of reasons.
Why Companies Are Choosing DRaaS
There are essentially two types of DRaaS. One includes having either a second data center or a cloud in the company’s physical location. In that case, the company would be responsible for recovering their own files and getting their systems up and running in the event of an IT disaster. The other case includes having an off-site disaster recovery provider that will do the work for you. Depending on your disaster recovery plan, the off-site company might be monitoring the status of your systems at all times or you just give them a call when you need them and they will get you going in a matter of minutes.
You Have to Choose the Right Strategy
A disaster recovery plan is not something to be taken lightly. As a business owner, you could lose hundreds or thousands of dollars if your systems aren’t running at any given moment or, even worse, your data could be lost entirely. DRaaS providers generally look at the infrastructure of your company as a whole and make recommendations based on their experiences. Once you receive the recommendations, you can decide what strategy you want to take based on your needs and budget.
Test, Test, Test
No matter which strategy you choose, the most important thing to do with DRaaS is test the service frequently. There’s no better peace of mind than knowing your information can be quickly restored if a disaster strikes. Testing the recovery is common among DRaaS providers, but you need to make sure they stick with a regular testing schedule. You never know when an IT disaster is going to strike so it’s always best to be prepared.
If you have more questions about how DRaaS works in general or how it could fit your company’s infrastructure, contact us today and we will provide you with more information.
