By definition, no event that interrupts your organization’s operations is trivial, so when it comes to preparing for disaster that might impact your business IT, you need a plan that addresses all emergencies that could disrupt your business. To create an effective plan, you’ll need to:
- Involve employees in identifying those emergencies and developing ways to cope with them. Get them thinking through disruption scenarios — and document the results. The right service provider can help you determine these needs — and may even offer you a free assessment.
- Develop a communication plan (e.g., using cellphones, web-based email, instant messaging, Facebook) to stay in touch with your people should you be unable to use your facilities. You’ll also need a way for customers to interact with you.
- Prepare and train employees so they know what to do in case of a disruption. Responsibility for critical business functions should be assigned to the most appropriate employee, a meet-up location should be designated in case of evacuation, and you should pick out an alternative worksite in case your facilities are unusable. Don’t forget to distribute the plan to a secure online location that’s accessible to all employees 24/7.
Next time: Putting your plan into action — with the right business continuity/disaster recovery solutions.
