Infomax Offers Tips for Minimizing the Digital Impact of a Disaster With Data Backup and Restoration

MSP Helps Companies Protect Their Assets and Offers Free Assessments

During this time of year, many companies in Iowa are thinking about what would happen to their business in the event of a storm. Infomax, an IT services provider specializing in helping organizations make technology more affordable, efficient and secure, is offering advice to small and medium-sized businesses regarding best practices for backing up important data and recovering it after a disaster—natural or manmade. Additionally, the company is providing complimentary backup and recovery assessments to Iowa companies to help them prepare.

According to Lowell Vine, Director of Managed IT at Infomax, “Here in Iowa, storms are a serious concern. Organizations need to be prepared, and that includes ensuring their data is properly backed up to an off-site location and that there’s a plan in place for restoring that data after the storm. Our goal is to help companies put a plan in place so they can get back up and running as quickly as possible.”

"Here in Iowa, storms are a serious concern. Organizations need to be prepared, and that includes ensuring their data is properly backed up to an off-site location and that there's a plan in place for restoring that data after the storm. Our goal is to help companies put a plan in place so they can get back up and running as quickly as possible."

Lowell Vine, Director of Managed IT

Infomax’s Advice for Backup and Recovery in the Event of a Storm

1.     Think About Your Business Needs

When it comes to your technology infrastructure, there’s a great deal to think about—networks, servers, workstations, databases, applications and proprietary data, just to name a few. When it comes to IT, you should base your priorities for safeguarding and recovering equipment and data on your specific business. If hardware is more essential than data, then relocating equipment to a safe location should be your priority. If access to customer or other vital data is essential, then your priority should be on having a backup (preferably off-site) to recover from afterward. 

2.     Talk to the Experts

Consulting with an IT services company—especially one that specializes in backup and recovery planning—can be a good idea, especially if a business doesn’t have dedicated IT personnel or a relatively small IT team. The IT consultant can identify potential weaknesses that may normally go overlooked and provide options for backing up data, as well as hosting servers and vital applications on a cloud-based platform to ensure seamless business continuity.

3.     Make a Plan … and Test It

After priorities are established for hardware, software and data, and an expert has been consulted regarding backup and recovery, a complete contingency plan should be created. Individual responsibilities for securing equipment and data must be identified, and training must be completed to ensure all tasks can be completed successfully. Once this is done, the business should run a “mock disaster” drill to find and fill any gaps, as well as ensure data backup and recovery goes smoothly. 

“Businesses of all sizes can benefit from taking precautions,” said Lowell Vine. “Many of the same actions one would take after a storm are the same you would use if recovering from a system-wide failure, a manmade disaster, a freak accident or a cyber-attack. Even if you don’t feel particularly threatened by a storm, it’s essential to have a what-if plan.”

Infomax is offering free disaster backup and recovery assessments through the end of May 2017. For a small to medium-sized business or non-profit to qualify, they must be located within Iowa and rely on computer systems for day-to-day operations. Qualifying organizations can sign up for their no-cost assessment online or call 515-244-5203.

About Infomax Office Systems

Infomax Office Systems is an Iowa-based corporation specializing in a wide range of services, including tailored IT services and solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Infomax recognizes that every organization has different IT requirements and capabilities. That’s why they work to fully understand customers’ unique needs and strive to create proactive, in-depth relationships. As a trusted partner and advisor, Infomax provides value beyond the product or service, delivering what you need today and planning for the future. To learn more call 515-244-5203 or visit them online.

Source: Infomax