The flexibility and scalability of cloud-based disaster recovery (DR) means that it is rapidly becoming the new standard for data protection operations. A survey carried out by ESG found that 74% of those questioned already use cloud DR.
However, transitioning from traditional on-premise backup and recovery processes requires a slightly different approach if it is to be successful.
This is what you need to know.
What does Cloud DR mean for your organisation?
There are two key reasons why cloud DR is gaining in popularity: shorter Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and lower operating costs.
Savings are typically realised by reducing costs associated with site maintenance and hardware investment. These decreases are not one-off events either – maintenance and support for the DR platform are built-in the subscription cost. And because you only pay for what you use, there’s no need to invest in costly contingency.
Cloud DR also offers superior RTOs, allowing businesses to achieve previously unattainable recovery targets. The ability to recover data on an application basis makes it far easier and quicker to bring mission-critical systems back online.
How do you prepare for Cloud DR?
Preparation for cloud DR hinges on two key factors: Fast, reliable internet connectivity and a partner with the right skills and experience to help you configure and complete the transition. Once these are in place, you will have everything required to get underway.
How do you finally make the switch?
A successful migration has four common steps:
1. Requirements analysis – Identify the applications that will be moved to the cloud. Your existing data recovery plans provide an excellent starting point. Your DR partner will probably also suggest avoiding ‘hybrid’ applications initially to simplify and accelerate the migration.
2. Prepare to spend – The new cloud DR model requires a specific combination of tools and skills. Work with your cloud DR partner to understand where to invest for the best outcomes.
3. Prepare to test – Disaster recovery is mission-critical. You have to be sure that you can always meet your recovery objectives – and that the cloud DR platform delivers on expectations. Allocate some budget for extensive testing, particularly as you move towards application-specific backup and recovery.
4. Optimise costs – Synchronising your cloud migration with a scheduled hardware refresh will help to maximise your investment. Your cloud DR partner can also help you ensure you are using an old-demand charging model which will work out more cost-effective than paying for reserve capacity.
Getting the help you need
Migrating to cloud disaster recovery is straightforward – when you have the right partner to assist. They can help you avoid many of the common pitfalls that cause projects to stall – and ensure you get the maximum return on investment without compromising your RPOs.
To learn more about cloud disaster recovery and how WTL can help, please get in touch.