How often do you backup your business critical data? If your company relies on data center power to ensure business continuity, you might be interested in an initiative launched by Reddit. According to this Data Center Knowledge article, the company set out to make March 31st World Backup Day. The initiative gained so much movement that it quickly had a website and Twitter feed.
Some would argue that large corporations relying on the data center to power the network, run applications and manage all operations wouldn’t need a specific day or special event to prompt backup activities. According to the report, from the AFCOM State of the Data Center, 15 percent of respondents said their data center currently has no plan for data backup and recovery. In addition, more than 50 percent have no plans to replace damaged equipment if a disaster were to hit.
Richard Sawyer, Worldwide Practice Leader, Critical Facilities Assurance at HP Critical Facility Services, and member of the Data Center Institute Board of Directors, was quoted in the article as saying that survey results indicate that the investment activity focus in the data center during the recession was one of immediate need. Business continuity and disaster recovery planning were considered to be a luxury.
Ensuring continuity in the data center is not a luxury but a must have for companies who want to protect their valuable assets. Data disasters have been known to completely wipe out sites, putting profitable companies out of commission – and some even out of business. Both Microsoft (News
- Alert) and T-Mobile have experienced near-death situations with data for users of the Sidekick mobile device. Much of the data was eventually recovered, but the incident served as a demonstration of the power of proper data backup.
For all companies, the focus should be to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. If a real disaster should befall the data center, proper backup practices will ensure the company can carry on, many times without missing a beat. Server Technology (News - Alert) is one company focused on delivering true value in this area, providing powerful disaster recovery solutions.
Server Technology offers such innovative solutions as Instant Messaging for the data center, to alert you when things go wrong. These instantaneous alarms and SNMP alerts on power and environmental monitoring keep you in the loop on the unpredictable data center. You may need to receive notification when a power failure occurs or extreme environmental conditions are at play. Server Technology’s Intelligent Cabinet Power Distribution Units (CDUs) never sleep so you can be sure your data center is always protected.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Carrie Schmelkin