Ensuring business continuity in the event of an incident is a crucial corporate responsibilities, of which backing up corporate data is an important part. But variation exists in how to achieve this. This analysis article will discuss how using a managed services provider can be a wise approach to accomplishing these tasks.

The Importance of Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Data backup and disaster recovery capability can help an organization preserve important information, quickly restore operations, and avoid long-term or even permanent disruption to the business.

While many disruptions are relatively minor—such as a computer’s hard drive failing, a natural disaster, fire, a burst pipe, employee error or even a hacker could destroy a substantial amount of valuable assets and data, which can completely ruin the business. Without data backup and disaster recovery competence, these possibilities are very real.

How Managed Services Can Work

Managed IT services are a defined set of IT services that are managed and provided by a technology vendor. When it comes to data backup and recovery, a managed services provider takes on responsibilities for the tasks surrounding these objectives. Sometimes these responsibilities complement significant efforts of the client’s IT staff, while other times they cover the overwhelming majority of backup and recovery duties.

Why a Managed Approach Is a Good Idea

There are a number of advantages to having a managed services engagement for data backup and disaster recovery. First, this type of arrangement can be much less expensive than an entirely in-house situation.

For example, when it comes to backup the provider can supply one or more cloud servers built on your specific backup needs. Should these needs change, the service provider can easily add these capabilities to your account. You will pay a higher monthly fee, but won’t have the huge up-front cost associated with making a capital investment.

Managed services also provides ready-made expertise in the areas of backup, restoration, recovery, and planning. Planning is key for disaster recovery in particular. While there are sample disaster recovery plan templates and documents you can find on the internet, none of them will be an exact fit for your specific business. Partnering with a vendor lets you receive expert and customized guidance in critical areas of planning.

2 Key Takeaways

• Data backup and disaster recovery are important considerations for all businesses, as efforts in these areas can impact the business’s viability.

• Using a managed services provider for at least some elements of data backup and disaster recovery can help organizations save money, gain expertise, and acquire necessary resources.