Smooth Data Recovery Implementation Guide

By Steve Snook, Head of Cloud at Securecom

Background

Selecting the right data recovery solution is only half the battle. Over my 20 years in the industry, I’ve seen too many promising platforms fall short—not because the technology wasn’t sound, but because the implementation was rushed, poorly scoped, or lacked the right internal champions.

Transitioning to a new solution, especially in environments with legacy systems and multiple stakeholders, takes more than good intentions. It takes planning, clarity, and the right execution playbook.

In this Part-4 of my 5 part series, I’ll share what it really takes to move from decision to deployment without disrupting your business—so your investment in unified data recovery delivers value from day one.

Introduction

Selecting a data protection solution provider marks a significant milestone in safeguarding your organisation’s critical information assets. However, the journey doesn’t end with signing the contract; the transition to a new data recovery solution requires meticulous planning and execution to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity. This article outlines key considerations for New Zealand enterprises during the decision and contracting phase, focusing on implementation practicalities, SLA formulation, risk mitigation, change management, resource planning, and governance.

Final Vendor Selection: Beyond Features to Implementation Practicalities

While evaluating potential data protection partners, it’s essential to look beyond feature sets and assess their implementation capabilities. Consider the following:

Proven Track Record: Examine the vendor’s history with similar organisations in New Zealand. Request case studies or references to gauge their success in deploying solutions.
Local Support Infrastructure: Ensure the provider offers robust local support, including a 24/7 New Zealand-based service desk, to address issues promptly and minimise downtime.
Scalability and Flexibility: The solution should adapt to your evolving business needs, accommodating growth and changes in data environments across on-premises, public cloud, and SaaS platforms.

Crafting Effective SLAs for Data Protection Services

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are critical in setting clear expectations and accountability. Key elements to include:

Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs): Define acceptable timeframes for data recovery and the maximum tolerable data loss in the event of a disruption.
Compliance and Security Standards: Ensure the SLA mandates adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and incorporates robust security measures, such as immutable backup storage hosted locally in Tier 3 Datacentres.
Performance Metrics and Reporting: Establish metrics for backup success rates, restore testing, and incident response times, with regular reporting to maintain transparency.

Risk Mitigation During the Transition Period

Transitioning to a new data recovery solution involves inherent risks. To mitigate these:

Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks associated with data migration, integration challenges, and system compatibility. Develop strategies to address each identified risk.
Pilot Testing: Implement the solution in a controlled environment to detect and resolve issues before full-scale deployment.
Data Integrity Verification: Conduct thorough testing to ensure data accuracy and completeness post-migration, safeguarding against data corruption or loss.

Internal Communication and Change Management Planning

Effective change management is vital for a smooth transition:

Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate the benefits and implications of the new solution to all relevant parties, including CIOs, CTOs, IT directors, and business managers, to secure buy-in.
Training Programs: Provide comprehensive training for IT staff and end-users to facilitate adoption and proficient use of the new system.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establish channels for employees to express concerns and provide input, enabling continuous improvement during the transition.

Implementation Timelines and Resource Planning

A well-structured implementation plan ensures timely and efficient deployment:

Detailed Project Plan: Outline each phase of the implementation, assign responsibilities, and set realistic timelines to keep the project on track.
Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate allocation of internal resources, including personnel and budget, and confirm the vendor’s commitment to providing necessary support and expertise.
Regular Progress Reviews: Schedule periodic reviews to monitor progress, address challenges promptly, and adjust plans as needed.

Setting Up Governance and Ongoing Review Processes

Establishing governance structures is crucial for the sustained success of the data recovery solution:

Governance Framework: Define roles and responsibilities for overseeing the solution’s performance, compliance, and alignment with business objectives.
Continuous Monitoring: Implement monitoring tools to track backup status and compliance in real-time, leveraging features like Securecom’s BackupASSURE portal for enhanced visibility.
Regular Audits and Updates: Conduct periodic audits to ensure adherence to SLAs and update the solution to address emerging threats and evolving business needs.

Next Steps

Develop a detailed transition plan with your selected vendor that includes risk mitigation strategies, clear milestones, and success criteria for each phase of implementation. For organisations ready to begin their implementation journey, Securecom’s BackupASSURE service can provide immediate visibility into your current environment while your full DataPROTECT solution is being deployed.

By focusing on these critical areas, New Zealand enterprises can navigate the complexities of transitioning to a new data recovery solution, ensuring robust data protection, regulatory compliance, and business resilience.

If you’re ready to explore how Securecom can support your data recovery needs, contact us for more information or to book a session to demonstrate BackupASSURE.

Further reading on the Journey to Resilient Data Protection

Read the full blog series designed to guide IT leaders from risk awareness to ROI.

About the Author:

Steve is an accomplished IT leader with two decades of experience across New Zealand and Australia, specialising in cloud infrastructure, virtualisation, and cybersecurity.

In his current role as Head of Cloud, Steve applies his blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen to help enterprises unify and protect their data. With a proven track record in managing complex networks, redesigning managed services, and leading solutions architecture, he brings unique insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by CIOs, CTOs, and CFOs tackling fragmented backup systems.

Steve can be contacted:

Email: steve.snook@securecom.co.nz

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/steve-snook-1501b646

From Selection to Implementation: Ensuring a Smooth Transition to Your New Data Recovery Solution