Lessons in IT resilience: Navigating disaster recovery success

Titled “Lessons from the Trenches: True Stories of DR Success and Learning,” the session brought together a trio of industry veterans: Craig Cook, Chris Smith, and Bryan Fisher from Zerto. Their combined expertise in disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and risk management set the stage for an enlightening discourse on the significance of robust DR strategies in today's digital landscape.

Stories of resilience and recovery

The essence of the session was to unfold the narrative layers of real-life incidents that tested the limits of organizational resilience. The speakers shared firsthand accounts from customer sites, detailing encounters with disasters and ransomware attacks that could make any seasoned IT professional pause. Yet, it was not the recounting of disruptions that captivated the audience but the stories of recovery and the strategic responses that followed.

Learning from experience

One of the session's core messages was the irreplaceable value of learning from experience. The speakers, through their extensive work in developing and testing hundreds of disaster recovery plans, underscored the critical learnings that only come from direct engagement with the challenges of disaster recovery. They stressed the importance of having a DR plan—particularly one that has been battle-tested and refined through practice.

Best practices and preventive measures

Amid the tales of adversity, the session was replete with insights on current best practices in DR and how organizations can steer clear of potential disasters through meticulous preparation. Whether it was the intricacies of data protection, the nuances of incident response, or the strategies to counter ransomware threats, the audience was treated to a comprehensive overview of the landscape of IT resilience.

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A call to action

The overarching theme of the event was a call to action for organizations at every stage of their DR maturity. Whether new to the concept, managing an untested program, or at the helm of a mature DR strategy, the lessons shared were a reminder of the constant need for vigilance, adaptation, and continuous improvement in the face of evolving threats.

Final thoughts

The session “Lessons from the Trenches” was more than just a discussion; it highlighted the resilience of organizations and the critical importance of preparedness. In a world where digital disruptions are not a matter of “if” but “when,” the insights from Craig Cook, Chris Smith, and Bryan Fisher offer guidance. For those looking to fortify their defenses and ensure their organization remains resilient in the face of adversity, the lessons shared are a valuable resource.

As we continue to navigate through the complexities of the digital age, let the stories of DR success and learning serve as a roadmap for building a more resilient future.

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