If disaster struck your company, would you know what to do? We’re not just talking about hurricanes and tornadoes; we’re talking about computer viruses and cyber security attacks.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), there have been 15 disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion—and that’s just in 2023. Safeguarding your data and business operations against the unexpected is crucial, even in the cloud. Let’s take a look at the basics of cloud disaster recovery and how you can create a solid plan to ensure your business’s integrity.
What Is Cloud Disaster Recovery (CDR)?
Did you know that a single hour of IT system downtime can cost businesses thousands of dollars? When you’re relying on the cloud, the potential risks associated with data loss, outages, and cyberattacks are very real. That’s why you need a cloud disaster recovery (CDR) plan set in place—otherwise, you’re putting your business and finances in jeopardy.
Cloud Based Disaster Recovery, Explained
Cloud based disaster recovery is a cloud-based solution that helps you recover your business’s critical systems following a disaster. Rather than traditional disaster recovery (DR), cloud disaster recovery allows you to access your systems securely and virtually. This saves valuable time and money.
Why Is Cloud Computing Important for Disaster Recovery?
The last thing you want on your plate following a disaster is to fork out substantial costs. Traditional disaster recovery often involves maintaining secondary data centers, which can be costly and complex. Instead of relying on traditional methods, cloud computing revolutionized the way organizations recover their data. This leads to key differences.
Cloud Disaster Recovery vs. Traditional Disaster Recovery Strategies
The main difference between cloud disaster recovery and traditional methods lies in the approach. While traditional methods often involve physical backups and tedious data transfers, CDR uses virtualized resources.
The Key Differences
Below are the three key differences that separate traditional DR from cloud DR:
1. Cost-Efficiency
Traditional disaster recovery strategies are notoriously expensive due to the need for additional space and operational costs. Cloud disaster recovery eliminates the need for managing and maintaining physical infrastructure—no extra utility expenses are needed.
2. Scalability
With the cloud, you can easily scale your disaster recovery resources. A cloud disaster recovery service allows you to scale your resources up or down, allowing you to adapt and optimize your performance with no physical or financial setbacks.
3. Flexibility
Traditional recovery methods can become chaotic and are rarely flexible. Cloud disaster recovery allows you to choose the level of protection and recovery you want based on your plan, which means more control over your disaster strategy.
The Advantages of Cloud Disaster Recovery Over Traditional Strategies
Choosing a cloud disaster recovery service over traditional strategy methods can be multifaceted. Beyond the three key benefits of cost-efficiency, scalability, and flexibility, cloud disaster recovery helps streamline your business operations post-disaster.
By sidestepping the limitations of traditional methods, your business can optimize its resources. As your business grows, the cloud’s adaptability helps you adjust your strategy. The transition to a cloud disaster recovery service surpasses the constricting—and risky—boundaries of traditional disaster recovery.
Creating a Cloud Disaster Recovery Plan
When it comes to protecting your business against disasters, you should consider a cloud disaster recovery plan as your safety net. This three-step plan outlines everything you need to ensure your data, applications, and operations can recover without any interruptions.
Let’s break down the key components of creating an effective plan.
1. Determining RPO and RTO Needs
Determining your recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) is important. Ask yourself—and be realistic—about how long your organization can operate without fully functioning systems. If you have a substantial amount of data, you will likely need a cloud disaster recovery plan that will get your workloads running fast.
2. Assessing the Costs
The cost of your cloud disaster recovery service will influence the sophistication of your plan. Basically, the more money you invest in a robust CDR service, the better the advantages. Investing in your plan can lead to faster and more reliable recovery should a disaster strike. This way, you can focus your recovery efforts where they matter most.
3. Analyzing Administration Requirements
How much time can you afford to spend managing your cloud environments and resources? Consider how much time your administration will spend on cloud management as you begin creating your plan. Wolf Consulting can help you with this.
Selecting the Right Cloud Disaster Recovery Models
Selecting the right cloud disaster recovery model can be intimidating. After all, each model offers its own unique advantages depending on business size and requirements. Here are a few models to consider for your organization:
Backup as a Service (BaaS)
Also known as online backup or cloud backup, BaaS is a remote way of storing data in the cloud from a service provider. It’s convenient, affordable, and safe. This service is great for small businesses with moderate data recovery needs.
Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
DRaaS goes beyond backup. This recovery method allows organizations to back up their data and IT infrastructure through a third-party cloud environment. DRaaS providers are ideal for mid-sized and larger businesses with more strict recovery requirements.
If you’re feeling stuck, Wolf Consulting provides managed services based on your business’s size, industry, and requirements. Contact our team to learn more about the benefits of BaaS, DRaaS, and more.
Plan for the Worst With the Help of Wolf Consulting
Your data is the essence of your business—and it can be compromised at the snap of a finger. From hurricanes and floods to power outages and cyberattacks, businesses need to be prepared for anything.
If your business or organization doesn’t have a solid disaster recovery plan set in place, contact Wolf Consulting. We’re a trusted managed service provider dedicated to providing cloud-based solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. All Wolf Consulting clients get server infrastructure included in their MRR, including an optional M365 backup add-on. Contact us now to learn more about our disaster recovery solutions and our service plans.
The Takeaway
A cloud disaster recovery plan is a necessity for any business. After all, your data loss can result in costly setbacks. By defining your objectives and selecting the right models, you can ensure that your business remains operational even amid chaos. And with Wolf Consulting by your side, you can navigate the process with confidence, knowing that you have expert support on your side.
Contact us for cloud strategy consulting and client support in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. We’ll be waiting on the other line.