Reactive data backup doesn't make any sense, so why should any other part of your business continuity plan be reactive? Companies need to start focusing on making their disaster recovery strategies adaptive, rather than reactive. One of the best places to start is with data recovery.

According to ITProPortal, the adaptive data recovery movement is a critical part of business continuity success. This is particularly true as the volume and variety that firms deal with increases. The big data movement means companies have more data coming at them on a regular basis — optimizing management to lose as little as possible when a data loss event occurs is basic operational practice.

Adaptive backup will automatically sort and store data in backup locations, be they offsite storage, onsite servers or the cloud. Beyond data backup and recovery, many other systems can be approached from this same theory. IT systems are being migrated to the cloud at a rapid pace, which allows companies to provide easy remote access to applications and resources while reducing recovery costs and time, as the systems can be brought back up and running nearly at a moment's notice.

The cloud offers several other advantages when it comes to adaptive recovery. From supporting remote employees to streamlining communications, cloud services will promote a stronger working environment regardless of physical assets – if a hurricane strikes a business can easily resume operations from any computer from anywhere.

It is important for firms to ensure their continuity of operations planning is adaptive. Hiring DR consultants to assess and improve strategies can eliminate bottlenecks in recovery and strengthen overall workflow through proper business impact analysis and selection of the right technologies and services to support unique company needs.