By Claire Reilly
SYDNEY, NSW: International software developer Acronis today offered advice to small businesses on how to manage data storage in the event of a natural disaster.
According to Karl Sice, Acronis Pacific general manager, “Any data loss, through natural disaster or simple human mistake, can spell failure for businesses.”
“This year’s unrelenting series of cyclones, floods, bushfires and earthquakes across Australia and New Zealand has proven the value of backing up critical business data. It is vitally important to be able to maintain continuity and customer service in the wake of a natural disaster.”
Acronis highlighted the importance of backing up data and having disaster plans in place to ensure a quick recovery after a serious threat.
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According to the Acronis Disaster Recovery Index, “just 22 percent of Australian businesses felt that they would be able to recover quickly in the event of downtime, compared to a global average of 50 per cent. A third of local businesses (36%) do not have a backup and disaster recovery strategy in place.”
In light of this, Acronis released a five point plan to help small-to-medium businesses plan and prepare for natural disasters and to protect their data systems.
Businesses were advised to make images of computers and servers “so full copies of data and applications are safely tucked away,” as well as ensuring data is backed up in the cloud in case on-site data storage is damaged.
In addition, using hardware-agnostic software (or software that can be used on any machine, regardless of its hardware) would ensure as quick recovery, as would the use of a “backup and recovery solution that takes care of backups and recoveries of all your machines”.
Finally, business owners are advised to make a disaster plan so they can respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.
“Our tips can help businesses, small and large, develop comprehensive backup and recovery plans that minimise the financial and productivity impacts that occur after unplanned disruptions,” said Sice.