Cloud services can simplify and speed up disaster recovery processes while providing increased data protection. They are also easy to deploy across multiple locations and can work with a broader business continuity strategy. However, it is important to understand the difference between disaster recovery cloud services and traditional on-premises solutions before deploying a cloud model.
Disaster recovery (DR) is the set of policies and procedures that return critical business systems to a functional state after a disruptive event, such as a natural disaster or malware infection. Designing and implementing an effective DR plan takes time and money. Cloud solutions can streamline the DR process, but it is still vital to test your plans regularly and update them when necessary.
Traditional DR involves loading hardware with the operating system and application software, patching to the last known configuration, and then replicating them to an offsite location. Cloud DR focuses on virtual servers, which are easier to backup and move between data centers.
This approach allows organizations to get back to business as quickly as possible after a disaster occurs, minimizing lost revenue and productivity. It provides a more cost-effective solution than purchasing hardware and software, setting up a secondary site, and hiring staff to manage it. It can also reduce the amount of time that is spent on DR activities, which makes it an attractive option for smaller businesses.
A key advantage of disaster recovery cloud services is that they are scalable, meaning that businesses can purchase fewer or more resources to meet their needs. They can also increase or decrease their capacity as needed without the cost of installing new hardware or upgrading software. This flexibility means that organizations can adapt to a changing business environment and meet the varying needs of their customers.
Cloud DR can be used to protect against a wide variety of types of disasters, including natural events, human-related incidents (Ransomware, malware, and data breaches) and technical issues (power failures and network connectivity). Depending on your specific needs, you may choose to use Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS), which mirrors the infrastructure of an organization in fail-safe mode on virtual servers, or Backup as a Service (BaaS), which only replicates and stores the data that is processed by applications.
Choosing the right cloud DR service depends on your RTO and RPO requirements, how much downtime your business can afford, and whether you are willing to take on the management or maintenance responsibilities yourself. For example, if you choose to utilize an assisted DRaaS solution, the service provider will handle everything, but it is your responsibility to stay in touch with them and keep up to date on changes to the infrastructure and applications. For those who want to take a hands-off approach, managed DRaaS is available. If you’re ready to explore your options for disaster recovery in the cloud, Veritas can help. Contact us to learn more about our solutions and to schedule a consultation with one of our expert consultants. disaster recovery cloud services