Disaster recovery (DR) is a critical component of any organization's technology strategy, but for companies with small IT teams or limited technical resources, it can be a particularly challenging task. They don’t have the luxury of unlimited IT staff and budget and must make sure they find the proper balance between risk and protection.
By applying the following principles, even a small IT team can create a DR strategy that provides the proper protection without breaking the bank:
Prioritize Critical Applications: Companies with limited technical resources should prioritize the protection of their most critical applications and data. This will not only reduce the complexity of their DR plan, but also ensure that their most critical systems are always available. Make sure your plan includes all of the infrastructure needed to spin up those applications. A great way of doing this is to develop a playbook that identifies the critical resources and/or services needed for each of your most important applications.
Utilize Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud-based DR solutions can provide easy access to scalable, reliable, and cost-effective DR capabilities. This includes being able to leverage cloud-based storage, cloud-based disaster recovery services, and cloud-based backups. Traditional DR solutions require having to buy your own hardware, set up and maintain the infrastructure, manage the overhead and pay for the cost of licensing. Relying on the cloud means not having to own it and having the flexibility to scale as needed.
Focus on Automation: Automation can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DR for companies with limited technical resources. This includes automating the backup and recovery process, automating the deployment of DR infrastructure, and automating the testing of the DR plan. Make sure to test regularly and try to identify something new to automate with each test. Aligning your playbook and automation will ensure everything goes smoothly.
Keep it Simple: Keeping your DR plan simple and focused on the protection of your most critical systems and data is key for any small team. This can help to reduce the complexity of your DR plan and ensure that it is both manageable and effective.
Choose a Knowledgeable Partner: Consider partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) to provide additional technical expertise and support. The technology landscape is constantly evolving and it's nearly impossible for small IT departments to have the in-house expertise to stay up-to-date on best practices and potential threats. By leveraging a knowledgeable partner you will not only be able to more accurately access the cost-benefits of various approaches but also ensure that your critical systems and data are always available.
Test Regularly: Develop a testing schedule and stick to it. Disasters can happen at any time so you need to make sure you’re always ready. Regular DR plan testing is essential to ensure that it works when needed. It allows you to prepare in advance of a real crisis and identify any potential vulnerabilities while there’s still time to address them before they impact your business.
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