Disaster Recovery Resources

11:11 grows DR portfolio after Sungard buy

After seven acquisitions in two years, including parts of decades-old Sungard AS, 11:11 Systems aims to take on established managed services companies for Fortune 500 customers. Continue Reading

Fine-tune a social media emergency plan with ISO 22329:2021

Social media and its effective management are major interests for emergency management professionals. Find out how ISO's recent standard can help guide a social media strategy. Continue Reading

FAA outage highlights importance of high availability

An outage of a critical FAA system highlights a need for enterprises to ensure availability and recovery of critical systems, even if industry best practices aren't attainable. Continue Reading

Effective business continuity requires evolution and a plan

Investment in business continuity is one of the best ways to get an organization back on its feet during and after an incident. Updated plans are critical to avoid a crisis. Continue Reading

Developing an emergency communications plan: A template for business continuity professionals

Communicating details in a crisis is a vital part of BC and resilience planning. Follow the steps below and the associated template to prepare an emergency communication plan. Continue Reading

Why BCDR teams should consider EMP disaster recovery plans

An EMP event could be a major game changer depending on where it happens and who is affected. EMP disaster recovery might not seem urgent, but it never hurts to be prepared. Continue Reading

Top 8 business continuity certifications to consider in 2023

There are many certifications available, including the Certified Business Continuity Professional and Certified Disaster Recovery Engineer. Continue Reading

How to use a risk assessment matrix: A free template and guide

A risk assessment matrix identifies threats and vulnerabilities that present the greatest potential for disruption or damage. Use this free template to focus risk mitigation. Continue Reading

Rubrik Cyber Recovery adds plan testing, forensics to mix

To be released as part of its security cloud, Rubrik Cyber Recovery provides recovery plan testing, snapshot cloning for vulnerabilities and investigations of infected data. Continue Reading

Data resiliency guarantees offer new kind of assurance

Data resiliency guarantees from Druva, Rubrik and AvePoint offer data warranties of up to $10 million, but experts caution customers to read the fine print. Continue Reading

Ransomware preparedness: The long road ahead

Is your organization ready for ransomware? A recent survey shows that businesses in a variety of industries are all struggling with ransomware prevention and recovery. Continue Reading

Trilio Continuous Restore aimed at faster recovery time

Trilio's 3.0 upgrade for its TrilioVault for Kubernetes includes general availability of Continuous Restore and added support for Red Hat OpenShift. Continue Reading

Where do business continuity plans fit in a ransomware attack?

Recovery isn't the only priority when ransomware hits. Careful planning, training and coordination among IT teams are critical to maintain business continuity during an attack. Continue Reading

Create a flood business continuity plan to stay afloat

In the event of a flood, don't settle for watered-down action plans. Download our free flood business continuity plan template to create a flood-specific recovery strategy. Continue Reading

Why a HIPAA disaster recovery plan is critical

Disaster recovery is a complex and high-stakes operation. When healthcare data is in the mix, a good DR plan is even more crucial. Do you have a HIPAA disaster plan in place? Continue Reading

Where does security fit into a business continuity plan?

Cybersecurity breaches are a prominent threat to business continuity today. Make sure your security and BCDR teams are in sync to recover data in a crisis. Continue Reading

Use ISO 22320:2018 to prepare an incident management plan

Incident management is critical to ensure that businesses can deal with unplanned disruptive events. Find out how the ISO:22320:2018 standard can help. Continue Reading

New Everbridge CEO takes over at critical time

New Everbridge CEO David Wagner details his areas of focus for the company. Investor Ancora has suggested that a private equity firm should acquire Everbridge. Continue Reading

Use ISO/TS 22317:2021 to shape your business impact analysis

ISO/TS 22317:2021 is a useful tool for BCDR practitioners and other personnel tasked with executing a BIA, which can often be a highly complex activity. Continue Reading

Where does AI fit into a risk assessment strategy?

AI is a helpful way to take a different look at risk assessment and disaster recovery. AI sifts through massive amounts of risk data without the typical constraints of DR teams. Continue Reading

Free disaster recovery budget template to justify BCDR spending

Budgeting for disaster recovery does not need to be difficult. With detailed guidance from our free budget template, IT professionals can easily initiate and manage the process. Continue Reading

Use recovery level objective to fine-tune BCDR response

Recovery level objective is not a widely used metric, but it has value to business continuity and disaster recovery teams. Learn how it fits in the BCDR timeline here. Continue Reading

Get the most out of Azure Site Recovery DRaaS

For Azure users, the Site Recovery DRaaS tool provides reliable and accessible disaster recovery. Testing and good management are critical to get the most out of the service. Continue Reading

Tighten up work recovery time for successful disaster recovery

The best strategy for reducing work recovery time windows is done before the need arises. Proactive disaster recovery planning is key to being as prepared as possible. Continue Reading

Business continuity in the cloud: Benefits and planning tips

Learn the major areas of concern and the seven key steps to include when creating a cloud-based business continuity plan to protect data and workloads. Continue Reading

SaaS disaster recovery best practices for users and providers

When it comes to SaaS disaster recovery there are two main roles: the consumer and the provider. The side of the fence they're on defines their options and responsibilities. Continue Reading

12 key points a disaster recovery plan checklist must include

Having a comprehensive disaster recovery plan checklist ensures that you can get data center operations back up and running as efficiently as possible when an incident does occur. Continue Reading

Business resilience vs. business continuity: Key differences

Business continuity and resilience go hand in hand and play a role in an organization's disaster recovery plan. Essentially, business continuity is needed to achieve resilience. Continue Reading

Free business impact analysis (BIA) template with instructions

If you need to perform a business impact analysis, this guide and our free, downloadable template will assist you in your business continuity planning. Continue Reading

ITGC audit checklist: 6 controls you need to address

Assess the risks to your IT operations and company infrastructure with an IT general controls audit. Download our checklist to help you remember what to include in the audit. Continue Reading

A free business continuity plan template and guide

A business continuity plan is critical for an organization when an unplanned event occurs. Follow this template and BC planning guidelines to get on the right path to resilience. Continue Reading

Top 10 business continuity risks to monitor

Business continuity and disaster recovery threats vary by organization, but common threads can be found across the globe. Ten worrisome trends appear to be having a big year. Continue Reading

Dell Apex now offers managed cyber recovery service

Dell Technologies releases a new managed cyber recovery service as part of its Apex portfolio and other cloud disaster recovery products, including a debut on Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading

Zerto tips and tricks for ransomware recovery

Ransomware recovery is a major concern for disaster recovery teams. For businesses using Zerto, there are a variety of ransomware protection and recovery features that can help. Continue Reading

HYCU Protege updates focus on ransomware recovery

HYCU sharpens its emphasis on WORM storage with more support and 'cloud dedupe.' The ransomware-focused product updates follow the recent release of a ransomware assessment tool. Continue Reading

Sungard files second Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Sungard Availability Services cited pricey colocation centers and COVID-19 as business challenges that led the company to file for bankruptcy in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Continue Reading

StorageCraft DRaaS outage highlights layered protection need

As a result of the StorageCraft outage, some of the vendor's DRaaS users lost the ability to fail over. Having a local backup is one method of protection against cloud outages. Continue Reading

How AI adds value to crisis communications systems

AI provides key enhancements to existing emergency notifications systems that can reduce the amount of time a business needs to effectively prepare for and respond to a crisis. Continue Reading

How to calculate maximum allowable downtime

Determining maximum allowable downtime is more than a simple equation. Find out why it's important, how it varies and the elements that make the maximum allowable downtime metric. Continue Reading

How to manage disaster recovery in SQL Server

SQL Server offers a platform for hosting relational databases. Enacting a disaster recovery plan that won't disrupt mission-critical SQL Server workloads is essential. Continue Reading

Proactive risk mitigation should be a business priority

Every organization will likely deal with a critical event at some point, but many are still reluctant to make proactive risk mitigation a priority. Continue Reading

Decode the 4 phases of emergency management

The four-phase framework to emergency management can help organizations plan for all types of emergencies. Here's more about each phase and the steps to take within each. Continue Reading

Critical event management software simplifies disaster recovery

Critical event management software can help reduce the chaos of disaster response, without overloading disaster recovery teams with data or complicating communications. Continue Reading

Datto acquires Infocyte to expand threat detection tools

Datto picks up Infocyte for its threat detection capabilities, targeting a growing customer demand in the face of a growing skills gap. Continue Reading

Backblaze now a target for Kasten Kubernetes backups

Kasten by Veeam can now use Backblaze's cloud storage as a backup target for Kubernetes data, a need that will continue to grow in popularity. Continue Reading

AWS outage brings DR strategies back into focus

A lengthy outage for AWS in December brought many enterprise apps and services to a halt, but it also provided a moment of reflection on DR plans and data availability. Continue Reading

Disaster recovery planning on readers' minds in 2021

New disaster recovery products attracted the site's most page views in 2021, indicating disaster recovery planning is top of mind with cloud-native protection. Continue Reading

IT resilience management, planning top of mind for DR pros

Resilience is a key issue for disaster recovery pros. This year, readers sought to build up their skills and learn more about the role of resilience in DR. Continue Reading

Where do PSIM systems fit into disaster recovery?

Organizations that use multiple security platforms can look to PSIM systems to be better prepared for an incident. Read on for more about how they work. Continue Reading

Backups for Microsoft 365 expands Rewind's portfolio

Rewind expands its SaaS protection with Backups for Microsoft 365. The new service is the first from Rewind in support of a major SaaS platform. Continue Reading

AWS disaster recovery service now available

AWS disaster recovery services now feature a first-party option with AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery alongside a new Recycling Bin service for data snapshot recovery. Continue Reading

Zerto launches DR orchestration tool for AWS EC2

The new Zerto In-Cloud is standalone DR automation and orchestration software that uses EBS snapshots and AWS APIs instead of Zerto's continuous data protection technology. Continue Reading

JetStream's Azure-native DR finally takes off

JetStream DR for Azure VMware Solution offers DRaaS for VMware VMs and is deeply integrated with Azure, including using Azure Blob Storage to minimize storage costs. Continue Reading

How to use AI for disaster response

AI systems can be a dynamic method to automate disaster response, but they need to be well trained in interpreting disasters to be effective. Here are some tips to get started. Continue Reading

What is the role of qualitative and quantitative impact in DR?

Disaster recovery planners use several metrics to craft a plan suited to their organizations. Quantitative and qualitative impact are two helpful metrics in a recovery strategy. Continue Reading

Prepare a supply chain disaster recovery plan

Supply chain disruptions can bring business to a halt and lead to high costs. Examine potential threats, mitigation costs and prepare to plug any gaps in the chain. Continue Reading

How to calculate and reduce MTTR

Mean time to repair is a helpful performance metric to ensure that important systems and processes don't fail. BCDR teams should know how to calculate MTTR, as well as lower it. Continue Reading

Prepare and conduct a ransomware tabletop exercise

Tabletop exercises help organizations practice response and recovery, but one size doesn't fit all. For ransomware attacks, use this template to create a targeted exercise. Continue Reading

IT risk assessment template (with free download)

Risk assessments are a critical part of a disaster recovery plan. Find out how to prepare a risk assessment and then download the included free template to create one. Continue Reading

Decode different types of business interruption insurance

Business interruption insurance can be difficult to navigate because not all policies are the same. Here's what to examine when exploring insurance options. Continue Reading

Top mass notification system vendors and how to choose one

Mass notification systems are crucial to a business continuity and disaster recovery strategy. To choose the right system, cross-check its capabilities with your requirements. Continue Reading

Use ISO 22332 to improve business continuity plans

Standards offer guidance on business continuity and disaster recovery plans. ISO 22332 is no exception, providing great detail on how to prepare and execute a BC plan. Continue Reading

Understand the costs of a disaster recovery failure

A disaster recovery plan may seem like an unnecessary expense to some businesses, but a lack of preparation will cost you. Continue Reading

Zerto vs. Veeam: Compare 2 disaster recovery providers

Cloud failover, automation and orchestration are just a few of the features to consider in comparisons of Veeam and Zerto. See how the two DR products compare. Continue Reading

Maximize the benefits of virtual disaster recovery

Compared to physical setups, virtualization can accelerate and streamline DR processes. Automation, however, is essential to achieve those benefits. Continue Reading

Fortify emergency communications systems with a business plan

Emergency communications is one of the first actions organizations should undertake during an incident. An automated system is critical but cannot stand alone without a plan. Continue Reading

Make a power outage business continuity plan with these tips

Power outages can lead to business disruption and hit at any moment. Infrastructure testing and emergency protocols can help with business continuity when the lights go down. Continue Reading

SIOS Protection Suite update enhances HA for cloud and SAP

Improvements to the SIOS Protection Suite include planned failovers of SAP S/4HANA with zero downtime, GCP support and integration with third-party tools via CLI. Continue Reading

Prepare for planned and unplanned downtime

There are two types of IT downtime: planned and unplanned. Neither are desirable, but one is necessary and the other could strike at any moment. Here's how to prepare for both. Continue Reading

DRaaS vs. BaaS: Compare 2 data protection options

While DRaaS and BaaS can simplify data protection operations, they aren't right for all IT shops. Learn the differences between the two technologies -- and the potential risks. Continue Reading

How to plan for the cost of unplanned downtime

Unplanned downtime can lead to serious consequences, including reputational harm, revenue loss and extra IT costs. Use these tips to plan for the unexpected. Continue Reading

Crisis communications training exercises to implement

A crisis communications team must be prepared to spring into action at a moment's notice. Here are three crisis communications training strategies to ensure a team is ready. Continue Reading

HPE fills in GreenLake with Zerto acquisition

HPE will buy Zerto for $374 million and use its continuous data protection capabilities to bring disaster recovery, backup and data migration offerings to the GreenLake portfolio. Continue Reading

Business continuity interview questions for aspiring managers

Business continuity managers must be ready for anything, and that includes interviewing for the role. Here are some common business continuity interview questions to prepare for. Continue Reading

Build a BCDR employee training program for peak resilience

A BCDR training program teaches employees key skills, such as how to conduct risk assessments, coordinate emergency response with first responders and restore business processes. Continue Reading

Organizational resilience questionnaire for recovery teams

Following organizational resiliency standards such as ISO and BSI can prepare organizations for disaster. These questions provide a starting point to validate OR readiness. Continue Reading

Zerto keeps Texas bank from being left in the cold

During Winter Storm Uri, Woodforest National Bank enacted its DR plan and used Zerto to bring its servers back online shortly after its primary data center went completely dark. Continue Reading

12 skills business continuity managers need to succeed

Communication, collaboration, IT expertise and project management are key skills that business continuity managers must have to efficiently lead a BCDR team. Here's why. Continue Reading

DxEnterprise brings SQL Server AGs to Kubernetes

DxEnterprise for Containers enables SQL Server availability groups to work in Kubernetes, solving a problem that prevented SQL Server users from moving into production. Continue Reading

Guide to business continuity and pandemic planning

This guide explains the enterprise impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how business continuity planning keeps organizations safe and in operation. Continue Reading

How to build a strong crisis communications team

A crisis communications team works best when all members are fully aware of their responsibilities. Here are some tips on building a highly effective response team. Continue Reading

What are some examples of organizational resilience?

Organizational resilience encompasses everything a company needs to run in times of crisis. These examples show how businesses handle tough situations. Continue Reading

Titan HST says emergency comms usage shifted during pandemic

Vic Merjanian, CEO of emergency mass communication platform vendor Titan HST, says the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the technological push toward a contactless world. Continue Reading

The tiers of disaster recovery, explained

Organizations have used disaster recovery tiers to define the DR process for years. These key tiers can serve as a backbone to a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. Continue Reading

How do risk assessment costs vary and why?

Risk assessments help identify and, more importantly, prioritize activities an organization needs to address its most serious threats and vulnerabilities. However, costs may vary. Continue Reading

StorageCraft DRaaS sets up shop on Google Cloud Platform

StorageCraft's new DRaaS offering uses Google Cloud as its back end, giving it the scale, flexibility and security to service customers with large data sets. Continue Reading

Dell draws line between cyber recovery and disaster recovery

Recovering from natural disasters and from cyber attacks represent separate use cases. Dell says customers should be aware of the differences in how to approach the two problems. Continue Reading

Establish a business continuity team to get the full picture

Business continuity teams provide insight and focus that can keep an organization on its feet when disaster strikes. Don't rely on a disaster recovery team to reduce downtime. Continue Reading

Castellan Solutions says COVID-19 forced BCDR rethink

COVID-19 caught organizations flat-footed in terms of business continuity, and new challenges will arise as vaccines are distributed, according to Castellan Solutions' CEO and COO. Continue Reading

Create an incident response plan with this free template

Want to boost your organization's ability to fight cybersecurity threats? Uncover the essentials to creating an incident response plan and download our free, editable template. Continue Reading

Prepare for the unknown with an organizational resilience model

An organizational resilience strategy is far-reaching, involving many facets of IT and the business -- from disaster recovery to supply chain management. Continue Reading

Infrascale refreshes DRaaS offering with SSD appliances

Infrascale Backup and Disaster Recovery added two new SSD appliances, giving customers an on-premises high-performance backup and recovery option in addition to DRaaS in the cloud. Continue Reading

AlertMedia boosts threat intelligence warning capabilities

AlertMedia enhanced its Global Threat Intelligence capabilities by adding a team of experts to provide professionally vetted threat warnings for its customers. Continue Reading

How to establish an operational resilience training program

Collaboration across departments is the new normal to protect business operations. Set up and promote an operational resilience training program with our included printable guide. Continue Reading

Operational resilience frameworks hinge on breaking down silos

Resilience is more than just business continuity and disaster recovery. Operational resilience depends on communication among many different business functions at an organization. Continue Reading

The reality of Docker disaster recovery in practice

A successful Docker DR strategy must account for a range of factors, including the host infrastructure, networks and redundancy in the cloud. Continue Reading

Combine business continuity and crisis management practices

Together, business continuity and crisis management procedures help an organization prepare for the worst. But careful planning is key. Continue Reading

Bolster an operational resilience strategy with these tips

What's the first step to achieve operational resilience? Knowing which assets and activities are most critical to the business. Continue Reading

Follow these standards for business continuity and resilience

Business continuity, disaster recovery and resilience professionals have numerous IT standards they can reference for nearly every aspect of planning. Continue Reading

Optimize a BCDR strategy for 2021 and beyond

COVID-19 has changed the way many organizations view BCDR. Along with an increased interest in resilience, a pandemic-proof BCDR plan is likely top of mind for 2021. Continue Reading