Cloud Computing Useful for Disaster Preparedness

Grazed from MidSize Insider. Author: Sharon Hurley Hall.

Could cloud computing help midsize businesses avert the worst effects of disaster? Hurricane Sandy is only the latest in a long list of storms destined to wreak havoc on the U.S., and it raises an issue that businesses should be aware of: the need for a disaster recovery plan. Perhaps that plan should include moving some functions to the cloud.

Disasters: A Big Business Problem

Hurricanes and other big storms are not just an inconvenience; they are a major problem for businesses affected by the loss of power and other utilities. What’s even worse, as an article in Talkin’ Cloud points out, is that businesses may lose access to their business data. That includes businesses who are outside the direct path of the storm. We are used to a world where business is going on 24 hours a day, but that only works if the networks and computers that support that business stay online. Many businesses’ buildings are not designed to withstand the high winds of hurricanes and the delicate electronic equipment they contain can easily be damaged by sudden power outages and floods. That could mean data loss, which is bad news for any business. One potential answer suggested by the Talkin’ Cloud article is wider use of the cloud…

Data Center Advantages

That’s because the data centers that host cloud networks are designed to take a lot more punishment than the average office building. In fact, during Hurricane Irene last year and Hurricane Isaac earlier this year, many data centers stayed online throughout, which meant the businesses that relied on them could keep working too. Storms and other natural disasters can cost businesses millions in lost revenue. That loss is minimized if they can stay online and keep earning, which could be a significant advantage for a midsize business…

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