as published in eWEEK, January 7, 2008, pg 30

Business continuity is all about preparing for the worst. Here are some things you should know and do to keep your business going—no matter what. By Wayne Rash

1.  Disaster’ Is a Relative Term
Just because it doesn’t involve a hurricane or a fire doesn’t mean that it’s not a disaster. When developing a business continuity plan, consider all of the things that could stop your business from operating.

2.  Everything in its Place
One of the most important elements of a business continuity plan is finding a safe place for data—one that’s far enough away from your site that the disaster in question won’t affect it, too.

3.  Back Up
Everything will depend on how well you did your backups. That data you preserve (see item No. 2) has to come from somewhere. This means that you need to back up your data daily; backing up to a remote location provides added protection.

4.  Restore
Perform routine and frequent restorations from backed up data so you’ll know that you can actually use it.

5.  Don’t Forget People
It’s hard to keep your business running if you don’t have a staff. Figure out where you want your staff to assemble in the event of a disaster, and let them know how you’ll communicate with them.

6.  Communications
Remember, in the event of a disaster, you can’t depend on making cell phone calls. Think about contingency plans, such as texting and a reverse 911 system. Also, talk to the phone company well in advance about how you can get your phones forwarded.

7.  New Digs
If a disaster does strike, you may need something in place of your data center. There are companies that provide data center facilities, and smaller companies may be able to rent computers and set up operations in a temporary office.

8.  Practice
Practice your business continuity plan—if possible, once a year. This means setting up operations in your chosen remote location, with your employees present, phone lines moved and rental computers up and running.

9.  Determine Chain of Command
Determine a chain of command and an order of succession. If your disaster recovery manager is stuck on a rooftop waiting for the helicopters, who’s going to get things rolling?

10.  Budget for the Worst
The business continuity calculation isn’t complex: Figure out how much it would cost to lose your company without warning, default on your business commitments, lose your customers and destroy your reputation. Then call your insurance company.