Preparing for a Technology Disaster
Most companies rely on technology. Are you protected from a technology failure?
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates over 40% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. Of the remaining companies, at least 25% will close within 2 years.
Is your business or organization ready to ‘weather’ a technology disaster?
Getting Started on Technology Preparedness
What systems do you rely on? -- Consider what is important to your business. Do you need computers to operate your business, or just record keeping?
Identify points of potential failure -- Where could your systems fail? Do you have redundancy in place for networking, data storage, or merchant (credit card) processing?
Back-up your critical business data. -- It’s not expensive, or complicated. Small businesses with little data could simply burn it onto CD and take it home, or to another off-site storage facility. Larger businesses with more complex needs can consult one of dozens of companies specializing in off-site data storage and back-up.
Consider data on laptops -- Do you or your employees transport data on laptop computers? Remember to back-up that material.
Back-up Data on a Schedule -- Save your data at least once per week. You never know when a disaster will incapacitate your computer systems.
Remember your Documents -- Even though it is on paper, doesn’t mean it cannot be backed-up. An inexpensive scanner can make all of your paperwork electronic. This includes insurance policies, checks, billing, contracts and other materials.
Power Back-ups -- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (or UPS) systems could provide critical access to your computer systems in case of power outages. These are often inexpensive. Contact your technology supplier for more information.
How about telephones? -- Computers are not the only equipment your business relies on. How about telephones? Make plans with your telecommunications equipment provider to rent equipment should you need to move into a temporary facility.
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