People often use the terms business continuity and disaster recovery interchangeably. Although both are significant in safeguarding business operations, each makes use of different strategies.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, more businesses all over the world have seen the importance of business continuity planning. With workers working from home or falling ill, many businesses have struggled to remain open.
There is a need to understand the difference between business continuity and disaster recovery for effective planning when such disasters happen. Businesses should realize that their business continuity and disaster recovery planning differ in terms of the application and use of strategies.
Here are the three key differences between business continuity and disaster recovery.
The Time of Plan Execution Differs
The most important difference between business continuity and disaster recovery is when the plan takes place. Although both plans work towards recovery after a disaster, their timing is different.
A disaster recovery plan is executed after a disaster. It ensures that the business operations return to normal as soon as possible. Disaster recovery includes having system backup with the objective of minimizing recovery time.
On the other hand, a business continuity plan is executed during a disaster. It ensures that assets and staff are protected, and businesses are not shut down during a catastrophic event.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Have Different Goals
Business continuity and disaster recovery serve different goals.
A business continuity plan keeps the shop open while a disaster recovery plan ensures the shop is back to normalcy. An effective business continuity plan will limit operational interruptions. It ensures continuity within the shortest time.
On the other hand, disaster recovery strategies aim at eliminating any inefficiency in the systems operations. Recovery plans include restoring infrastructure and getting data copies stored offline that are vital to a business operation.
For example, a business continuity plan can keep communication channels like networks and phones operating during a crisis. In comparison, a disaster recovery plan can secure data necessary for the business operation.
The Types of Disaster Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Covers are Distinct
Business continuity plans can be used for minor interruptions as well as major disasters. Business continuity provides strategies for handling minor disasters like power outages. It covers specific occurrences that may be a threat. It does not discriminate on the type of disaster to plan for. The aim of business continuity is to maintain critical operations under unusual events.
Meanwhile, disaster recovery plans for catastrophic events such as fire, cybercrime, terror attacks, or natural disasters. A disaster recovery plan focuses on specific areas, mainly the information and data systems of an organization. A good disaster recovery plan will ensure you transition smoothly from alternative business operations back to your regular operations after a disaster.
Conclusion
While business continuity and disaster recovery may overlap, they differ in how they operate. Combining the two strategies is the best way for businesses to prepare effectively for any crisis or disaster. When a crisis hits, a business depends on its business continuity and disaster recovery plans to cope with the consequences.
To have adequate disaster recovery and business continuity plans, it is critical to understand their differences. Both business continuity and disaster recovery plans provide business owners and employees a stable environment to work, which increases productivity.
The bottom line is that business continuity and disaster recovery are must-haves for any business.
