When it comes to data recovery, the assumption is data loss is an inevitability. Those who work in this industry understand that businesses of all types will eventually lose important data of some sort. The only question is when the loss will occur. Data loss is especially problematic for small and medium-sized businesses as they tend to be poorly prepared for such an unfortunate event. Too many small business owners and managers assume data loss can't happen to them. If you are not prepared for such an event, it is imperative that you have a data recovery checklist along with an alliance with a managed IT services provider in New York.
Why Data Loss is Such a Serious Problem
Data loss is a legitimate crisis as it has the potential to lead to costly and time-consuming repairs and restoration. Productivity will drastically diminish during this period of time. Furthermore, if client data is lost, those clients must be notified. If they are angry enough, they will likely jump ship to a competitor for robust data security and successful client relationships.
The word will get out about the data loss, sales will drop, and your company's status within the community will be jeopardized.
The Data Recovery Checklist
A managed IT services provider in New York puts together the following data recovery checklist to help businesses of all types avoid data loss. Here is a comprehensive data recovery checklist your business needs to prevent a potentially devastating data loss:
- Where are the organization's data files? Are these files backed up? If the files are backed up, in what manner are they backed up?
- Are the backups performed, verified and subsequently tested to ensure functionality? If so, how often are they tested?
- Are files containing data stored away from the primary office? If so, have procedures been implemented to safeguard files from theft, tampering and other threats?
- Which employees have access to the organization's files, backup systems, and networks?
Steps to Take to Preserve Data Integrity
- Identify critical systems - It is important to identify systems that are critical to the functionality of your business. Pinpoint the organization's primary applications and systems that have the most important data. Databases with customer data, records, billing applications and email are especially important. Identify this data and it will be that much easier to protect it and reduce the chances of disruption.
- Inventory hardware - The next step is to take an inventory of hardware. Gauge which items can be supported, which ones need to be protected and which ones must be replaced. Segue to your company's files next. Eliminate all files that are no longer desired or necessary. Clean out the recycle bin, eliminate undesired email messages and scrap those programs your team no longer uses.
If you need assistance with IT or anything tech-related, at Simplegrid Technology, our managed IT services crew in New York is at your service. We provide IT consulting, cloud services, virtual CIO, VoIP, digital security and more. Contact us now and let us solve your technical needs.