In a market driven by data and the need to source, store and retrieve information in realtime, the ability to audit and control this data is paramount. The reason, say technology and cloud service experts, is to ensure that data can be protected and exploited, and that the business has a credible continuity plan.

Danie Marais, Founder of Redstor’s Software Division, explains that despite the obvious advantages of having a plan in place to ensure business operations are not impacted, many businesses simply do not follow through.

Marais agrees that the reason behind drafting and implementing a business continuity plan is irrelevant – the main purpose of the plan is to protect information that keeps the business wheels turning.

“Failure to protect data can be disastrous and the consequences can be severe, impacting directly on the ability to generate revenue during a disaster. It is estimated that this ability decreases by on average 37%,” he says.

There a several steps involved in creating a business continuity plan, according to Redstor, including to create an asset register and a risk register.

“Knowledge of what information you have, what is critical and the economic cost should this information be lost is crucial. The risk register should additionally include the impact on staffing, revenue and other known quantifiable costs to allow you to succinctly work out the RTO of the disaster recovery solution,” Marais continues,

The company suggests that businesses ask what the risks are should potential crises unfold, what do they stand to lose, and what the most critical business systems that need to be recovered.

This will help determine what course of action to take. Marais says there is increasing interest in the cloud as an effective channel through which to manage information, risk and a credible business continuity plan.

Redstor reminds the market that there is encrypted secure technology and relevant services available.

Remote backup, cloud file sync and share, virtual disaster recovery and data protection are all key considerations.

“We have established a leading position in providing security, storage and disaster recovery services to the public and private sector. Our cloud services are already protecting the data of thousands of organisations,” Marais says.