Survive and Thrive: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan Basics

Hey there, Aeko Technologies community! It’s Brian Rodgers, CEO, checking in from the heart of the action in the Aeko Rover Twenty Three (ARTT), our offroad mobile command center. I was recently talking with my managed service provider team about the incredible General ARTT videos we’re planning, and it got me thinking about emergencies and how we handle them, both personally and from a business continuity and disaster recovery plan perspective.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan: The “Panic” Button

Now, picture this: I’m in the middle of nowhere, off the grid and my Starlink Wi-Fi system isn’t playing nice. That’s when I rely on this nifty satellite communicator. It’s got a “panic” button, and even though I hope I never have to use it, there’s comfort in knowing there’s an SOS button if things go south.

But here’s the issue: Hitting that SOS button still leaves me with some serious questions. Sure, rescue is on the way, but who exactly am I phoning, and how long will it take for them to reach me? 

Having a panic button is a bit like businesses and their approach to business continuity and disaster recovery plans. We all know we need backups, just like I need a lifeline in the wild. But let’s be honest, how many business owners really know what those backups do for them? 

How long will it take to recover your data if the unexpected hits? What’s the gap between your last backup and the next disaster?

These are questions that are often overlooked, assuming that when the time comes, everything will fall into place. Well, folks, hope is a great strategy, but it’s not a plan.

Do You Know Your RPO and RTO?

So, let’s talk about your business’s recovery point objective (RPO) and recovery time objective (RTO). If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many businesses operate in the dark when it comes to these critical aspects of disaster recovery.

The RPO is essentially the maximum tolerable period in which data might be lost from an IT service due to a major incident. Think of it as the last checkpoint before things went haywire. 

On the other hand, RTO is the maximum amount of time a system can be down before it starts affecting the business. In simpler terms, it’s the countdown clock to when things should be back to normal.

The Importance of Tech Terms

Now, I get it: These terms might sound like tech jargon, and you’re probably thinking, “Do I really need to know this?” The short answer is yes. Just like I need to know my SOS button will bring help in the wild, you need to know your RPO and RTO to ensure your business is resilient when disaster strikes.

And, let’s not forget the importance of testing. Hitting that SOS button is all well and good, but what if it doesn’t work when I need it most? 

The same goes for your disaster recovery plan. Regularly testing your backups and data recovery compliance procedures ensures that when the real test comes, your team is ready and your systems are up to the challenge.

Now, I’m not saying you need an offroad mobile command center to be prepared (though it does come in handy). What you do need is a solid plan in place, one that goes beyond hoping for the best. Talk to your IT provider, understand your RPO and RTO, and ensure your backups are reliable.

Make Your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan a Good One

In the unpredictable world of business and off-road adventures, being prepared isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessity. So, let’s navigate the unknown together, armed with the knowledge and plans to keep our businesses thriving, no matter what comes our way.

Stay tuned for more “General ARTT: IT for the Mobile World,” episodes. I’ll continue to share insights from the IT world and explore how you can keep your office cyber secure and maintain even the most extreme mobile office. 

With over 20 years of experience as an IT expert, I’m here to help you save money, drive change and grow your business with sound technology strategies and solutions. 

Here’s a free IT services planning cheat sheet to get you started. And if you want to talk tech, contact us or book a quick consultation with the experts at Aeko Technologies today.

Remember, it’s not about if something will go wrong; it’s about being prepared for when it does.