A disaster like the one that happened to GetSmart is something that could happen to any company at any time. It is crucial that companies have backup plans for data and are able to access them easily after a disaster.  One procedure that would definitely help the company would be to have a large back storage device. A device that could back up the company's files at different times that are scheduled during the day.  IT departments can schedule backup times so that company files and data are backed up each day at that certain time. Having this backup device would ensure that if a disaster happens, the company could load the information and data back into the program.  Another procedure would be to rent or buy online storage where the system could backup files and data. This would ensure that if a disaster happened all the data would be backed up on an offsite location.  The big question for online data storage is security.  Ensuring that data is stored in a secure location on the web where hackers and others cannot access the information.  This information should be protected with a VPN or SSL encryption security with multi-level security ensuring that the information is always protected.

Worst-Case Scenario-Losing Everything: With the online backup storage option you would be able to move your business to an office location and just have minimal equipment to run the business.  Having the data and company files backed up to an online storage would allow you to run a backup to the program and you would have up to date data.

Having data storage backup that is scheduled and not a manual process will ensure that it is always done. Relying on the technology to do the work will have a higher success rate than relying on manpower!