Have you ever lost your data and walked though recovery steps soon to realize that you're not going to get everything restored in a timely fashion?

Here are a few data recovery tips that may give you a better chance at a successful recovery:

• Store passwords, licenses and key information in two secure and separate locations.
• Document the restoration process to get your systems running again.
• Take inventory of the software and patches being used. Backup the installation media.
• Practice disaster simulations. Build a replacement system without looking at your production system.
• Train two or three trusted employees to use the documented restoration process.
• Backup data regularly.
• Multi-path your data route to the systems.
• Keep spare systems up-to-date.
• Utilize an archiving strategy by prioritizing data.
• Backup to a remote location.
• Invest in the best uninterruptible power supply you can afford.
• Protect your systems from fire and theft. Use doors that lock automatically.