Why Cloud-Based Businesses Still Need Business Continuity Drills
The Overlooked Link: A Modern-Day Scenario
You’ve moved to the cloud – no more backroom servers or managing racks of hardware. Your apps, files, services, and systems are now hosted by global, reliable providers.
But there’s still one very real point of failure: your local network.
One misconfigured switch, a faulty router, or a dropped internet connection can instantly make your cloud systems unreachable. It’s a clear reminder that business continuity isn’t just about protecting data – it’s about safeguarding the entire end-to-end connection that keeps your business running.
That’s where business continuity (BC) drills come in. They don’t just test whether your data is safe – they test whether your people can still access and use it when something breaks.
Why BC Drills Still Matter—Even in the Cloud
1. The Cloud Isn’t Untouchable
Cloud platforms are built for resilience. Your access to them? Not so much. Local network issues, ISP outages, and power failures can all cut you off just as effectively as an old-school server crash.
Drills help you uncover whether your team can keep working through those disruptions – and how fast you can recover when they can’t.
2. Plans Only Work If You Practice Them
A documented recovery plan is just the first step. Drills ensure your team knows how to act under pressure:
- Can they work remotely?
- Who resets the firewall?
- Is there mobile failover?
These responses need to be second nature, not discovered in the heat of the moment.
3. Automation Isn’t Set-and-Forget
You may have automated backups and scalable infrastructure – but what if your router fails and no one knows where the spare is? Or if an update wipes VLAN configs?
BC drills validate that your entire hybrid setup works together, not just in isolation.
4. Proof Beats Promises
Executives and customers want more than reassurance—they want proof. Regular drills offer tangible evidence that your systems, people, and processes will hold strong when it counts.
Don’t Overlook On-Site Infrastructure
You Can’t Protect What You Don’t Monitor
Routers, switches, Wi-Fi, and internet links often get left alone until they fail. True continuity means checking:
- Are network configurations backed up?
- Do staff know what to do if the primary link fails?
- Are redundant connections regularly tested?
Debriefs Turn Drills Into Progress
Every drill should end with a review.
- What went well? What didn’t?
- Where did people hesitate or get confused?
These insights are vital. Use them to fine-tune your response and reduce risk next time.
How to Run a BC Drill in a Cloud + On-Site Environment
Simulate a Local Network Outage
Cut internet access for a specific site or team. Measure how quickly remote access or failover solutions activate.
Test Cloud Access Scenarios
Can staff reach files and apps via mobile, VPN, or remote desktop? What happens if your primary NBN link fails?
Involve the Right People
IT, facilities, and end users all play a role. Make sure responsibilities are clear, and leadership is assigned.
Document Everything
Track response times, decisions, and any confusion. Follow up with a short debrief and clear next steps.
Repeat Regularly
New tech, staff changes, or updated platforms can all affect your response. Test at least twice a year.
Final Word: Resilience Starts with Realism
Cloud adoption is a huge leap toward agility – but true continuity depends just as much on your local infrastructure and how your people respond in a crisis.
- A BC plan you’ve never tested is just hope.
- A plan you’ve drilled becomes capability.
With regular, scenario-based BC drills, you take control of your continuity – no matter what goes down.
