Archive January | Peterson Computer Consulting

With the recent events in Haiti, I wanted to point out a few quick steps every business should take in setting up a disaster recovery plan for their business. Each point is important by itself, but without the whole plan, a business will have problems continuing operations.

Data backup – Being an I.T. guys, this is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a disaster. My recommendation is to use a simple solution and have the data on either an off-site external hard drive or an online backup system. This will allow you to access the data without needing the computers at the office. Tape backup drives are impractical. They require a tape drive, which is usually only on the server. They also commonly require the specific data backup software to be loaded on.
Phone Systems – You can’t continue business without being accessible by your customers. Check with your phone company (or phone system company) and see if you can forward your calls to another number. I am a big fan of Packet8. They offer a web based phone system. All you do is plug your phone into any Internet connection and you are up and going. They also allow you to forward your calls to another number by either calling them or logging onto their website.
Insurance - Every business needs insurance. Make sure your insurance coverage is adequate for your business. I am not an insurance expert, so I recommend talking to your insurance agent.
What If Plan – In my eyes, this is the most important part of the plan. As a business owner, I am constantly asking my self “what if”. Have a plan for as many situations as you can. This will help you business survive after a disaster.

Here is just a short list of questions to help you get going with your plan

Data Backup

Is all critical information being backed up
How do you access your information if you need to?
Is your data backup method reliable?
Do you need your I.T. professional to access your data for you?

Phone System

Can you forward your phones to another number?
How do you forward your phones to another number?
Is there an additional charge for this features?

Insurance

How do you make a claim to your insurance company?
Does your insurance coverage cover the temporary costs involved in continuing your business operations (such as a temporary location, computers, phones)
Does your insurance coverage cover any short in income because of the disaster?
How long does it take to get a check from your insurance company?

What If Plan