Paper archives speed up 'disaster recovery'
Anyone who has ever used a computer knows that sinking feeling - what should be there, just isn't. No matter how many searches you do, the file has just evaporated. Maybe someone didn't follow the correct naming procedure. Maybe another it got overwritten by another file. Maybe the disc corrupted. Whatever the cause, it just isn't there anymore.
Computers get stolen
When someone steals a computer, two things happen - the wrong person has the information, and, just as importantly, you don't. Yes, you may have backups and copies of files that you can fall back on. But you've lost your latest version of the information - maybe forever. As well as having a security problem, you can't do the work you need to do.
Buildings get damaged
You also have to plan for total loss of the building. Fire or flood can bring a business down.
Paper archives can save the day
Offsite backups of data and mirrored computing facilities are essential if you want to get your computer systems online in a reasonable timescale - but the chances are that you can get up and running more quickly using paper copies than you can with a backup computing suite. If you have access to a controlled and ordered set of paper documents, you can soon be up and running again with no loss of business continuity.
Paper is still with us
The paperless office is a goal for some businesses - but for the vast majority, paper is still the core of their day-to-day activity. And even where computers have replaced paper, a controlled paper archive provides security.
A sound paper information management system, allied to planned disaster recovery for electronic storage and processing, is the only way to protect against business disruption in the event of damage to your premises. If you value your business, it's a small price to pay.
Topwood are happy to work with computer disaster recovery specialists - we don't see them as competition, but as allies to help you protect your business.