Data Recovery FAQ - Can you suggest a good backup plan for a small business?

For a small business, here are some backup suggestions:

• Create a list of all your servers and their exact locations.
• Create a "Restore Book" that documents procedures for rebuilding the network.
• Create an "Action Plan" for dealing with any sort of virus attack.
• Keep updated contact numbers for all disaster recovery team members.
• Keep updated contact numbers for all your suppliers of IT equipment.
• Make all your backups easy to maintain, access and remove off site.
• Perform an audit of your backups every 3 to 6 months.

Backups should be made according to a rigid schedule, and always have their dates recorded in a Backup Log. The backups should be stored off site, ideally in a fireproof safe. Backups of all critical data should be performed at least once per working day.