Are You Ready For A Hurricane?
When you think of a hurricane, perhaps your mind drifts to New Orleans and the iconic Hurricane cocktail from Pat O’Brien’s. But today, I want to talk about a different kind of hurricane—one that can wreak havoc on your business operations. This is a story about the critical importance of a Disaster Recovery Plan, the role of a reliable technology partner, and the devastating impact of a real hurricane.
The Calm Before The Storm
It started as a typical day, with the sun shining and business as usual in the equipment finance world. Suddenly, the weather took a turn for the worse. Heavy rains, powerful winds, and thunderous claps signaled the approach of a severe storm. This storm escalated into a Category 5 hurricane, leading to widespread power outages, disrupted cell service, and severed internet connections. All communication was lost.
Lessons From The Storm
This experience underscores the vital importance of a Disaster Recovery Plan. Consider the example of a Texas-based company hit by Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. With over 40 inches of rain in just four days, the damage exceeded $125 billion. Despite their office being destroyed, the company’s operations continued smoothly, thanks to their cloud-based data storage. This facilitated an easy shift to remote work, which became a standard practice during the pandemic. Had their data been stored locally, the outcome could have been disastrous.
The Critical Role Of Preparedness
Many businesses are unprepared for such disruptions. Relying on third-party managed service providers is not enough. It’s essential to understand who is responsible for what aspects of disaster recovery. Without this clarity, businesses face a greater risk of permanent closure. According to FEMA, 40% to 60% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster.
The Stakes Were High
At this crucial moment, the company had 380 agreements in the final stages of booking. The power outage threatened to leave these contracts incomplete, potentially leading to significant financial losses.
Failure was NOT an option.
Disaster Recovery In Action
Immediate action was necessary. The company needed to relocate and get back online as quickly as possible. Enter LTi Technology Solutions, their trusted technology partner. Within three days, the company was up and running at a new location 400 miles away, thanks to LTi’s robust SaaS and Cloud Solutions. The transition was seamless, almost as if the hurricane had never occurred. Getting to a new location ASAP and being back online was mission critical. LTi Technology Solutions, their technology partner, had them up and running by day 3, in a different location, 400 miles away. It was as if nothing had ever happened.
The 7 Tiers Of Disaster Recovery
Choosing The Right Technology Partner
Before finalizing a cloud hosting provider for your Disaster Recovery Plan, consider the following:
- Worst-Case Scenario Planning: Ask about their strategies for the most severe situations.
- Customer References: Speak to customers who have faced similar challenges and learn about their experiences.
- Provider Responsiveness: Ensure the provider has a track record of being responsive during crises.
Peace Of Mind With A Disaster Recovery Plan
Not having a Disaster Recovery Plan can lead to catastrophic consequences. On the other hand, being prepared provides peace of mind, knowing that while you can’t predict the weather, you can manage its impact on your business.
Are You Ready For A Hurricane?
If you’re unsure about your preparedness, it’s time to take action. Partnering with LTi and leveraging our customized Cloud and SaaS Solutions—designed exclusively for our platform—can offer the security and peace of mind you need. Don’t wait until the storm hits.
Ensure your business is ready for anything.
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