Data Is a Preeminent Asset

Ensuring Business Continuity in Order to Protect Data Assets

Many businesses, especially those related to information technology, view data as a preeminent asset. Some assets, such as physical property and equipment are more obvious, but those that are less noticeable can be of greater value, define an organization’s image and success, and offer a competitive advantage. Information is considered such an asset and the collection, maintenance, and update of this asset is critical to an organization’s short and long-term success. Having information that is accurate, dependable, and current is often essential in a business’s day-to-day operations. For example, many businesses directly linked to the financial sector depend upon accurate and current information in order to perform daily financial transactions relating to the financial assets of many clients. Other businesses must have timely data in order to make informed decisions and allow daily operations to perform with optimum efficiency. Regardless of the business, it is necessary to preserve the integrity of the data and possess data that is current or real-time.

Because data can be so important and often inestimable, it is vital that businesses take steps to assess options and evaluate planning in order to ensure the continuity of the business in the event of disruptions such as server or network failure, a loss of power, or a range of natural disasters – and so on. Each business must determine what is in its best interests for addressing continuity, but a good framework usually consists of a Risk Assessment, a Business Impact Analysis, a Disaster Recovery Plan, server and network redundancy, one or more forms of data backup media, as well as a Universal Power Supply (U...

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...n addition to the RPO and priorities, which may be referenced from the BIA. Contact information for vendors and other third parties will also be listed, especially that regarding any secondary data service provider. It is important that the organization and sequence of recovery events be listed clearly.

The DRP can be extensive, and components may include a variety of backup methods as well as range of alternate sites. Some sites are empty and just have basic electricity requirements, but others provide all that is necessary to resume operations expediently. Redundant servers and networks are also components, as is a UPS. Replacing equipment as a form of preventative maintenance is also a consideration [1]. Though useful, none of these solutions is mandatory and each must be assessed based on the need and financial resources the company is willing to invest.