Prudent IT directors know the importance of disaster recovery (DR) preparedness. However, these same IT professionals often find themselves squeezed between being prepared and staying under budget. An outstanding solution to this quandary is the use of a cloud-based disaster recovery system.
Here are three reasons which could help you make your decision.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Unlike traditional DR solutions (e.g., private server backups, magnetic tape backups, etc.), cloud-based disaster recovery requires no physical media, no dedicated server, and very little upfront investment. Instead, a company's production systems and data continuously replicate in the cloud with relatively little lag and very minimal setup. This saves time on equipment, installation, and maintenance.
Moreover, because of the nature of cloud computing, a company's data typically lives far from the location of the client. Thus, a company in New York may have its data stored in the Bahamas, so a power outage or other disaster that strikes the Northeastern United States is unlikely to simultaneously affect the remote location. Better yet, this level of security does not require the company to pay for space in the remote location; it is simply the nature of cloud computing today.
2. Ease of Setup and Maintenance
Many companies fear establishing or maintaining DR solutions because of the time and skills necessary to properly implement such solutions. Cloud-based DR solutions, however, are typically very easy to set up, easy to scale to a company's particular needs, and usually come with the service provider's own host of experts to help with setup and maintenance. Cloud computing service providers handle the testing of the system, and any needed repairs, and ensure near-perfect uptimes so that your data will be available after a disaster the moment you need it.
3. Compliance
Many organizations must comply with an assortment of privacy and security laws. Many of these laws and regulations require DR plans, documentation, incident reporting, and even audits. Fortunately, cloud-based disaster recovery solutions often offer all of these features, particularly when created in tandem with an internal system in what is often referred to as a "hybrid cloud" solution.
While a company's compliance is ultimately responsible for satisfying its own compliance requirements, cloud-hosting providers are often familiar with these requirements and have the tools and technical knowledge to ensure your business remains in compliance at all times.
So, if your company has been holding off on putting a DR plan together, now is the time to take action with a cloud-based solution. Using a cloud-based DR solution can save your company money, make your company's data safer and more secure, and these solutions are easier to set up than ever before.
Are You Looking for a Disaster Recovery Service Provider?
If you're thinking about using a cloud service provider in your disaster recovery plan, consider Cloud Carib. Located in Nassau, the Bahamas, Cloud Carib is a cutting-edge, cloud service provider that offers private, public, and hybrid cloud options. Its disaster recovery, CaribDR, ensures your information is safe and secure, no matter the size, type, or scope of data. If you're looking for tailored disaster recovery from a reliable provider, contact us to speak to one of Cloud Carib's representatives today.