Weathering the Storm with Disaster Recovery Solutions

‘I don’t need Disaster Recovery Solutions.’

These were the famous last words of the owner of a business that just got wiped out.

Do you also feel like your business is safe because it's unlikely to happen to you?

Let me be the one to tell you: That mindset is risky. Why?

Statistics show that 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. A further 25% fail within one year.

With Queensland averaging four cyclones per year, how do you like these odds?

Learning from History

A disaster, whether natural or not, is neither improbable nor impossible, but rather a question of when it will happen. And it can have a catastrophic impact on your business.

Remember the 2023 Queensland floods? Many businesses faced disruptions due to inundated premises, damaged infrastructure, and supply chain interruptions. Loss of customers, delays in building repairs, and insurance complications added to the challenges.

The brights side was, despite the major impact, Queenslanders demonstrated resilience and worked towards recovery. But returning to normal business operations remained challenging.

The Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience

The Queensland government recognised the need to be ready for disasters. It developed the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2022-2027 (QSDR), which aims to embed resilience activities into everyday practices and mitigate the effects of future disasters.

An IT Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is one of the safety nets you should have. It should be part of any long-term business strategy – especially in this digital era when almost everything depends on IT.

A DRP is more than just data backup. It's a comprehensive approach to resuming business operations at an acceptable level following a disruption. This includes maintaining essential functions like customer service, order fulfilment, and payroll during crises.

I believe that businesses with a DRP in place can recover faster and more completely than those without.

Your business cannot be fully resilient if you do not invest in disaster recovery. It's about protecting your assets, your employees, and your customers.

Worried about the cost of implementing a disaster recovery plan? Think about it as an investment and ask yourself is it worth not having one?

You have insurance? It may cover some physical damages, but it cannot replace lost data or customer loyalty.

It’s not about pessimism but preparing for real possibilities, so you can continue operating and protect your livelihood against any eventuality.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a plan in place is invaluable

Let's learn from the past, prepare for the future, and build businesses that are resilient and enduring.

If you’d like to learn more about the different types of Disaster Recovery Solutions, I invite you to read the new ADITS blog: Understanding the Different Types of Disaster Recovery Solutions.