If you don't already have backup measures in place, start building them now. Outline specific instructions on how data should be protected and assign responsibilities to various departmental staff. Employees need to be aware of what is expected of them in a data crisis.

Have your IT department determine what hardware and software is needed for an adequate backup system. Invest in the proper equipment, such as tape drives or writable CDs, that will do the job most reliably and efficiently. Online backup services, or virtual storage centers, may provide a viable alternative.

Backing up information should be done on a regularly scheduled basis and files stored offsite from the company location. Determining how often you need to backup depends on the amount of activity and volume your company generates. Archiving can help reduce the amount of data that gets backed up.

Question your Web host about their backup procedures and what measures they take to ensure uninterrupted service if they encounter an emergency situation.

Some files need more protection than other files. Customer records, proprietary scripts, and research and development documents should be higher priorities than employee e-mail. Every department should determine which data is essential to performing their duties.

Test often. If your entire enterprise is reliant on a hastily mapped out plan or a couple of dozen tapes, be sure that everything will work properly when the need for recovery arises.

Digital companies are built on data and if that data is damaged or destroyed — goodbye, dot-com. Without a plan, you're basically relying on luck that some extreme circumstance won't befall your company.

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