As of Friday, hundreds of thousands of utility customers in New York and New Jersey have been without power thanks to Hurricane Sandy. Damage from the storm is projected to surpass $50 billion. This has also left thousands of businesses unable to open their doors. However, some companies have not missed a beat – even without a physical location to head to – thanks to smart IT preparedness and resources.
CIO.com interviewed Nicolas Dubus, the IT director for Florida-based eTailer CableOrganizer.com, about the steps the company has taken to strengthen its disaster recovery plan. According to Dubus, this has become standard practice since 2005 when Hurricane Wilma put the company out of business for a week.
"Each year, prior to the month of June when hurricane season commences, we review our disaster-prevention procedures to ensure readiness in the event that a tropical storm or a hurricane heads our way," said Dubus. "But rather than a simple checklist and seasonal preparatory efforts, we review and maintain disaster prevention and recovery plans for all levels of the operation year-round to best assure we're truly prepared."
He went on to say that regardless of the size of a company, it is important to not just have a plan on paper, or one that is set in stone. By periodically checking into the recovery plan, IT departments can ensure every new system is taken into account and adjustments can be made as needed.
IT Principals have become the centers for disaster preparedness because of the extended influence of technology on businesses. VARs and MSPs can help any company prepare for the next massive storm. VAR Staffing can help Solution Providers become the go-to resources when IT departments need assistance.
