Every business is data dependent. Today, IT’s number one priority is ensuring that their data, and the software that runs it, is guaranteed to be available and functional at any given time. In 2018, ARG helped many clients ensure their systems and data met the high-availability requirements of today’s economy. Some clients wanted a restoration platform that could be responsive to a wider array of recovery scenarios. Others sought to enhance data and system recovery as part of their cybersecurity fabric. All clients looked to adopt a platform that accommodated their IT organization.
The fit between a recovery solution and the IT organization responsible for system recovery is critical. Many recovery solutions require substantial IT resources to manage and invoke (either during a test or an event). Other solutions require little in the form of in-house effort. ARG walks its clients through the following options, seeking the optimal fit and value proposition.
Cloud-Based Recovery Solutions
There are several excellent cloud-based recovery solutions available on the market. These solutions back up your data and systems to a secure cloud infrastructure, ensuring its recoverability in the event of a disaster. Cloud-based services, traditionally referred to as “Software as a Service” or “SaaS”, are increasingly taking a more differentiated approach.
Backup as a Service "BaaS"
Backup as a Service, or BaaS, is a recovery solution that protects you from accidental data deletions and storage equipment failures. BaaS uses the cloud to back up files in your library. It then restores the files to your physical storage media in the event of a disaster. However, a BaaS provider will only restore your data once you have reassembled your IT infrastructure following a failure event. Therefore, it is critical for companies that rely on BaaS to also have a robust in-house IT team. Ideal BaaS users are companies that have large file archives, need to retain records for regulatory or legal purposes, store their work-products in files, and have substantial technical resources available.
Recovery as a Service "RaaS"
Recovery as a Service, or RaaS, offers data backup and can restore systems and applications, reducing downtime. However, like BaaS, organizations who adopt RaaS must have dedicated IT resources to implement and manage their recovery. Additionally, RaaS does NOT use real-time replication of data, meaning that the data used for restoration most likely isn’t up to date and will inevitably lead to some data loss. Ideal users are companies with data that is not frequently utilized for ongoing operations and companies with in-house IT resources available.
Disaster Recovery as a Service "DRaaS"
Disaster Recovery as a Service, or DRaaS, minimizes data loss by using near real-time replication of data through data mirroring. Additionally, DRaaS recovers hosted applications, system configurations, and critical IT infrastructures. An in-house recovery team using Backup or Recovery as a Service would take hours, days, or even weeks to recover lost data. Disaster Recovery as a Service has the capacity to recover that lost data in just minutes. Furthermore, like both Backup and Recovery as a Service, DRaaS requires an in-house recovery team responsible for implementing the actual recovery if affected by an event.
Managed Disaster Recovery as a Service "MDRaaS"
Managed DRaaS, or MDRaaS, is considered to be the most comprehensive disaster recovery service with the best value. It frees the IT organization from the responsibility of managing every aspect of business continuity (planning, testing, management, implementation, and execution) and places it into the hands of the provider. Outsourcing the management of backup and recovery with MDRaaS provides users with last-minute support, guidance, and expertise. Following a disaster, one phone call to your MDRaaS provider will restore all your data, applications, and operations. MDRaaS can be the most comprehensive and cost-effective recovery solution and save you resources, expense, and time.
What to Consider When Evaluating Your Recovery Options
Now that you are familiar with the basic functionalities of each recovery solution, you can begin to evaluate each service based on your organizational requirements. Your business won’t share the same requirements as the company down the hall. Therefore, it is important to note key factors to consider while assessing your disaster recovery options:
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- Data risk – How much of your data is at risk? If you select a recovery solution that offers weekly backups, as opposed to daily or hourly backups, you put more of your data at risk. The amount of data you can “afford” to lose is your Recovery Point Objective (RPO).
- Data coverage – What types of data files do you need to have backed up? To what extent?
- Systems coverage – Are you backing up your software systems? Can you reboot or reconstruct them later?
- Business continuity – How quickly does your organization need to be fully recovered in order to properly function? The speed that you seek to recover is your Recovery Time Objective (RTO).
- Resources – Cost isn’t the only resource you’ll need to consider when evaluating recovery solutions. You also need to identify the amount of effort and resources required to recover, determine who is responsible for managing the recovery process, and ensure that your recovery systems are being regularly tested.
Again, every organization has different backup and recovery requirements. Unfortunately, these available recovery solutions are not “one size fits all”. While there are several excellent solutions to choose from, many organizations, especially those without dedicated IT resources, become overwhelmed by the number of options available.
Luckily, this is what ARG is here for. As your trusted advisor, ARG will work with you to evaluate your options and ensure that you find the right recovery solution for your business, all at no additional cost. If you’d like to discuss your recovery plan with one of our industry experts, please contact ARG at info@myarg.com or by clicking the button below.
The source article from Sky Data Vault can be accessed here.
