BRM - Business Recovery Manager

Where: OHVCloud Data Center Fire March 10, 2021 Strasbourgh. Germany - https://cloud7.news

There are many crucial factors to consider when selecting a location for critical infrastructure such as a data center. This was a facility I considered, my decision not to move millions of dollars of enterprise computing systems to this facility was based on the proximity to the railroad tracks and the significant fuel storage nearby. That decision saved Faurecia (a global $38B giant in automotive manufacturing) from potential data loss or other damages, one of the benefits of working with experience and knowledgeable experts as found at ACOMDev. Our breath of experience and skill is a valuable factor to ensure your operation is effectively managed. 

The situation emphasizes the importance of comprehensive risk assessments when making decisions about infrastructure. Potential hazards, such as the likelihood of fires or other natural disasters, proximity to transportation routes that might carry hazardous materials, and potential sources of interference or disruption should always be weighed. There is no replacement for sound decisions, prudence, and foresight in the decision-making process. 

The incident also underscores the significance of a well-thought-out disaster recovery plan, and why Business Recovery Manager is an absolute requirement. A small oversight or mistake during maintenance can have cascading consequences, as evidenced by this fire. Regular training, following strict protocols, and having an effective Disaster Recovery plan are all essential components in ensuring safety and reliability.

Let us break down its value proposition and benefits of Business Recovery Manager:

1. Integrated & Automated: The tool can be embedded within the current operations of the business, and the processes it manages automated. This helps in reducing manual errors and also increases the speed at which recovery plans are executed.
2. Versatility: Whether for a single application, department, or the entire company, BRM offers scalability in its operations. This means businesses of all sizes and structures can benefit from it. 
3. Workflow Creation: The ability to map out every necessary step is crucial. This ensures that no aspect of recovery is missed, which might otherwise lead to further complications.
4. Task Assignment: By assigning specific tasks to designated Disaster Recovery (DR) teams, it ensures accountability and direction during a crisis. This can be the difference between an efficient recovery and chaotic attempts with no real direction.
5. Coordination: Streamlining the process so that everyone knows their role reduces the chances of confusion and overlapping of responsibilities. This is especially crucial during a disaster when stress levels are elevated.
6. Systematic Guidance: The systematic dispatch of text messages ensures real-time updates and guidance, which aids in quicker response times.
7. Executive Updates: Keeping the higher management and stakeholders updated is crucial. This ensures that any required executive decisions can be made promptly, without wasting time gathering information.
8. Risk Reduction: At its core, BRM is designed to minimize risk – both the risk of operations coming to a halt and the associated financial repercussions.

Potential Additional Features:

1. Mock Drills: An option for businesses to run simulated disaster scenarios to test the effectiveness of their recovery plans.
2. Integration with IoT Devices: In the event of a disaster, IoT devices can provide real-time data on the state of physical infrastructure, helping teams to act more accurately and promptly.
3. Analytics and Reports: Post-recovery analysis to understand the effectiveness of the recovery, time taken for each task, and areas of improvement.
4. Cloud Backup: An integrated cloud backup solution to ensure disaster recovery plans can be quickly assessed and put to work.
5. External Communication Module: A feature to communicate with stakeholders, partners, and customers, keeping them updated about the business's status.

Conclusion: Given the statistics from FEMA and the unpredictable nature of disasters, a tool like BRM is not just a luxury but a necessity for businesses. It offers a structured and efficient way to navigate the chaos of disasters, ensuring the continuity and survival of the business. If executed effectively, such a tool can significantly reduce the percentage of businesses that do not recover post-disaster.

Shall we get started with the first step, the assessment phase?