Many UK businesses are feeling anxious about what the next few months have in store for them. It’s more crucial than ever for businesses to check their current disaster recovery provision, ensure that it’s effective and ultimately, there to support you when the time undoubtedly arises.
Many businesses are finding that their current disaster recovery plans may no longer be suitable. Two-thirds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are reported to have no pandemic plans in place before COVID-19. Of those that did, some had provisions to travel to an alternative office location, which was not an option with the restrictions put in place by the UK government. By considering other solutions that are more suitable and flexible, such as Unified Communications and Cloud Technology, staff can work remotely from any location while still maintaining access to all files and critical information. And most importantly, they can keep in contact and maintain relationships with their customers.
In these uncertain times, all SMEs should look to consolidate their costs and check that their recovery and business continuity plans are up-to-date and flexible to their needs. This includes specifically looking at their disaster recovery plan and ensuring that it is still fit for purpose.
- Consolidate Costs
- With many smaller businesses facing financial struggles, it’s crucial that the service you’re paying for is fit for purpose and providing you with the best value for money. Can you afford to be paying for extra licences that aren’t being utilised?
- Flexibility
- Where staff have been furloughed, think about scaling your business’ IT needs and requirements to the number of staff that will be working at any given time. Is this possible with your current contracts?
- Support
- With staff working from multiple locations, including their homes, you need to ensure that they get up and running quickly. Do you have access to an accredited IT service desk should they have any technology issues?
- Disaster Recovery Plan
- A recent report from Databarracks has shown that two-thirds of organisations had no plans in place to respond to a major health pandemic before COVID-19. Disaster Recovery now means being able to carry on with business as usual at any time, from any location. Is your disaster recovery plan fit for purpose?
Alternative disaster recovery options
With more businesses working remotely and from multiple locations, communication has become a new challenge. Many organisations found themselves without a suitable Unified Communications of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, meaning that they were communicating with individuals via mobile phone. With a VoIP solution that is flexible to your needs, you can adjust the number of licences you require. So if you return to work with half of your workforce, you can have that number of licences and scale this up or down, dependent on your staff numbers.
As one of the largest local authorities in the county, Kent County Council (KCC) has responsibility for providing more than 300 public services. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Cantium seamlessly transitioned them from supporting 500 staff working from home, to more than 5,500 overnight to ensure they could continue to deliver front-line services. While the pandemic continues, Cantium is supporting KCC with their strategic initiatives to further enable secure remote working.
Don’t be behind your competitors as the UK recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cantium is on hand to help you to consider your disaster recovery options, consolidate your costs and ensure your solutions are flexible to your business needs.
Contact us to arrange for a free no-obligation consultation review, where we will discuss your current infrastructure set up and disaster recovery plan to see what changes you can introduce to safeguard your business’ future.
