So. What IS the difference between Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity?

...and why is it even important? Could it be the 'experts' trying to confuse mere mortals?


Possibly...but actually, there's enough of a difference to make it a valuable distinction, especially with so many data management and IT businesses offering 'Business Continuity' when they really mean 'Disaster Recovery'. And even then, they mean data and possibly hardware and software recovery. Almost without fail, they do not mean FULL disaster recovery.

Read this. Then, ask them. See what they say. See whether they do offer the compete service you really require. If you want full and appropriate recovery, that is...


Meanwhile, back in the real world of Business Continuity planning...

• Disaster Recovery is the act of recovering what you need to get the business working
• Business Continuity is the act of making sure your business can continue whilst the recovery people are getting back what you need

Clear? As mud, probably. So let me try this...


Think about your business right now. If it helps, I'll talk about two clients of mine. Let's choose a manufacturer, making cabinets; and an insurance broker, as a service industry example.


In both cases, their main bulding catches fire. There's people to worry about; the possibility of smoke damage; the probability of water damage - and in any event, a building out of action.


The Disaster Recovery people will be making sure that data and soft-copy files are recovered (which is where data centres and many IT business services start. And stop, by the way). They will also start the process of making sure that the clean-up starts; that damage assessment is completed; that furniture is replaced.


For the manufacturer and the insurance broker, it's about building damage assessment and repair; data recovery; if necessary, offsite recovery.


In the meantime, the Business Continuity people will be undertaking the vital role of making sure that you have a business to continue. The manufacturer will have customers who will go elsewhere unless their finished goods can be made and collected, meaning a need for contact, quick recovery within acceptable timescales, and fast work - and it's a tough enough industry at the best of times; the insurance broker will have customers who will be calling for help and advice, meaning a need to show control and competence. Pity the broker without a good plan, trying to persuade their customers that they're good at risk assessment, management and recovery.


So, in summary:

• Business Continuity deals with the longer-term need to make sure you have a business to continue... whilst
• Disaster Recovery deals with the immediate disaster, and restores things back to the way they are or needto be

They both work to make sure you recover your basic operational needs as quickly as your customers need them to.


Of course, the other way to cope with the differences...is to hire an expert!