While businesses hope to avoid disaster, the truth is that every organization must plan for it. One of the most critical aspects of disaster planning is the telecom infrastructure, as the ability to communicate is key in the case of a disaster. There are a few specific telephony technologies that are especially essential to a solid disaster recovery (DR) plan; these solutions include phone system redundancy, VoIP, and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking.
Phone System Redundancy
One of the most basic elements of enterprise infrastructure is the phone lines. It is therefore critical that this system is resilient in the event of a disaster. Businesses can better prepare for phone resilience by implementing physically disparate but inter-connected phone systems. If one system fails, the other can quickly take over all telecom duties.
This solution works even if the business is only located at a single site. This essential portion of business continuity planning should not be neglected.
VoIP
Another component of a successful business continuity plan – VoIP – provides double the benefit. VoIP is a highly flexible technology that many employees require in today’s decentralized and mobile-dependent business atmosphere.
Where disasters are concerned, VoIP provides a way to both manage and continue enterprise communications even if the core telecom infrastructure is damaged. As long as employees have some type of Internet access, they can stay in touch with customers and each other. The location flexibility offered by VoIP serves businesses well both in the event of a disaster and in their everyday duties.
SIP Trunking
SIP trunking is a highly flexible telecom strategy that becomes even more valuable when evaluated from the perspective of DR. A SIP trunk connects an internal phone system to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and a SIP provider routes calls to and from the business.
The benefits of SIP trunking certainly extend beyond business continuity planning. The key advantage for DR? The SIP provider is often in a geographically disparate location from the business. Therefore, calls can be quickly re-routed by the provider in the case of a disaster. While some minor tweaking may still be required, this removes a lot of the headache and legwork from the telecom recovery process.
Business continuity planning is much easier for businesses that think about their telecom infrastructure from a DR perspective as well as day-to-day operations. By leveraging technologies and strategies such as the use of multiple phone systems, VoIP, and SIP trunking, the enterprise can not only recover faster in a disaster, but also rest easier knowing that these investments truly benefit the business.
Contact us today to reach a Business Continuity Strategy Consultant.