Cloud-based disaster recovery is an increasingly popular option in the modern business world. It's also often a confusing one. How do you know what to look for in a partner? How does it work? And what about your data security? 

It can be easy for something like cloud-based disaster recovery with so many questions to go from promising to frustrating quickly. However, it doesn't have to be that way! 

Here are five essential features you should look for in cloud DR solutions: 

• It should be easy to use. Clean interfaces make all the difference when trying to get your business back up and running as efficiently as possible. 
• You need easy access to your data. Your recovery system should be able to tap into your central data without fuss or extra steps. 
• You don't want to compromise on security. You want the same level of security you had with your old system, just with new functionality and ease of access. 
• You want expert help available 24/7, 365 days a year. You don't want to wait until Monday at 9 am to start working on getting your critical business functions back up and running. 
• You want affordable pricing options and friendly experts who will help you. 

You've never been more at risk of a disaster than you are right now. 

Because of increasing cyber threats, you're more vulnerable to hacks, data breaches, and ransomware. And that's a serious problem. 

It's not just about your money—it's about your reputation, and it's about the trust that your customers place in you. You can't afford to lose their trust and confidence. 

Many companies are unprepared for disaster recovery because they don't know how or where to start. In fact, many businesses have never even thought about creating an effective cloud-based disaster recovery plan. 

But it doesn't have to be hard!  

What is cloud-based disaster recovery? 

Cloud-based disaster recovery (DR) is something that every company should have, but few have. It's a system that ensures that you can do business as usual, even if there is a natural disaster or cyber attack. In addition to providing that you're not losing revenue, it also makes sure your data isn't compromised—which can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. After all, the average cyberattack cost is $1.1 million. 

So what does this mean, exactly? It's all about keeping things running no matter what. Cloud-based backup and disaster recovery solutions protect your company in the event of any on-site disruption (like a fire, flood, or power outage) and make sure you can maintain business continuity without downtime.  

So instead of worrying about whether your data and systems will be there when you need them, you can rest easy knowing that everything is handled automatically—and backed up in the cloud. 

Many companies choose to go with cloud DR solutions because they don't have to invest in expensive equipment or employ IT staff and engineers to manage it all. Additionally, CDR solutions are scalable, so they can grow and evolve as your company does. 

The options for cloud DR solutions 

Maintaining a healthy information infrastructure is crucial for any business that relies on digital data. But when disaster strikes, having a plan to recover your systems and data quickly and efficiently is even more important than the general maintenance. 

That's why so many companies have turned to cloud disaster recovery solutions. There are many different types of solutions, including both public and private clouds, and each has its advantages. 

Public clouds are a cost-effective option for small companies with straightforward data needs. A public cloud system can be up and running in minutes and is available. They are typically managed by the provider, which frees you from the burden of managing multiple servers and the configuration of your applications.  

However, they offer less control over the way your data is stored and maintained—and they can be vulnerable to attack or exploitation by unauthorized users who gain access to shared storage disks or networks. 

Private clouds provide a higher level of security because they're usually hosted on-site or at a data center that only your company has access to. If you need more control over how your applications are configured or how your system responds in certain circumstances, private clouds are probably the better choice for you. They also allow for easier integration with existing systems if you already have them. 

Advantages of cloud-based disaster recovery solutions 

Cloud-based disaster recovery solutions are a proven way to ensure that your business can operate in the event of a disaster. Don't be the only one without a cloud-based solution! 

Using a cloud-based solution means you don't have to rely on your own equipment and can continue to run your business even if your system goes down. It's easier, faster, and more cost-effective than relying on your own equipment, and it's the safest way to ensure that you can ride out any storm or disaster. 

Move to the cloud for data recovery and security. 

If you want to take control of your disaster recovery process, there's no better solution than SSI's cloud DR solutions. Not only can we protect your data from threats of all kinds—we can help you recover it if anything happens. 

We have a global network of data centers that provide security, backup and restore, and recovery services. By leveraging our cutting-edge technology and cloud computing resources, you'll get one of the fastest and most secure disaster recovery solutions in the industry. 

Convenience and speed 

When you're in the middle of a disaster, the last thing you want to do is spend hours trying to set up a manual system, or call around to multiple vendors and then spend even more time integrating their systems into your company's network. With a cloud-based solution, you can log in from wherever you are (likely on your phone) and get your company back up and running in minutes. 

And if you're worried about security or data breaches, don't be! Cloud-based solutions come with robust security protections that keep your data safe from hackers and other malicious parties. And the best part? Cloud-based systems are often much more affordable than their traditional counterparts! 

Reduced cost 

Cloud-based disaster recovery solutions offer reduced cost, increased reliability, and a higher level of customization to fit a wide range of businesses. 

The most important thing on any business's mind regarding disaster recovery is its ability to get back on its feet and recover data after a catastrophe. This process is more efficient and less costly with cloud-based solutions. 

In addition to the reduced cost, cloud-based disaster recovery solutions also provide your business with a higher level of reliability. Since they are geographically distributed across multiple data centers, this ensures that your business will not experience downtime from the failure of another location if one location fails. 

Disaster recovery solutions based in the cloud also have a high level of customization options.  

Flexibility and scalability 

With a cloud-based backup system, you can scale up or down in storage space as needed; with an on-premises system, you're stuck with the size you've purchased. 

A cloud-based system also gives you flexibility in terms of how much security you want: so if your business is high-risk, or if it's low-risk, but you'd like to be extra cautious anyway, you can choose a backup system that suits your risk level. With an on-premises system, you're limited to what's available for purchase for your specific environment. 

Additionally, a cloud-based solution offers excellent reliability. Because it doesn't depend on physical hardware to store and run data, there's less chance of something going wrong with the equipment that stores your data. There's more risk of a hardware failure; even if this occurs outside of business hours, it could still be costly to repair/replace the hardware needed to run your system. 

High availability 

Cloud disaster recovery solutions offer your organization the best practice for high availability. According to Gartner, most organizations do not have a successful disaster recovery plan. This lack of planning can cost your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars when you experience an outage. 

Suppose you are a business that requires continuous operations. In that case, cloud-based disaster recovery solutions are the best way to ensure your business will continue running in the case of an emergency or unexpected outage. 

Security and protection 

When you're in the market for disaster recovery solutions, you might be surprised to find that the best ones are typically cloud-based. Why? Because they offer security and peace of mind that you can't get from trying to run your disaster recovery plan on your premises. 

Here's what we mean: With a cloud-based solution, your data is not only stored in a secure facility; it's also protected by cutting-edge technology and practices for risk mitigation and data preservation.  

This means that not only does your data have a high chance of being kept safe in case of a natural disaster (e.g., your building catches fire), but also that it's highly likely to be preserved by backup systems if something more commonplace happens (e.g., an employee accidentally deletes the file). 

Cloud-based solutions also tend to use the latest advances in encryption and other security measures, so you can rest easy knowing that your data will be safe from cybercrime, cyber warfare, and physical danger. 

Final thought 

If you're looking for a partner to help you recover your organization from a cloud disaster, we are happy to help! 

The news is always full of stories about organizations that've been hit by outages and suffered. And often, that's because they haven't chosen a partner to help them recover from such an event. 

With SSI, you can be confident that you'll have the resources and people at your disposal to get back on your feet and continue operations quickly after any cloud-based outage.

Our experience in this field has given us the expertise and depth of knowledge we need to handle any situation—and that's why we're prepared to act on behalf of our customers whenever it comes time for cloud DR solutions. Learn more about our DR offerings by reaching out to us here!