3. Automate backup process

Backups are tedious to do. At 6:30pm, most people would prefer to set off home or join colleagues in bar rather than stay in office to find correct tape and start a backup. Automating tedious tasks means they get done.

4. Monitor backup process

While automating backups is a good idea, do check that they are running correctly. Make sure new files are being backed up; make sure files of new users are being backed up. A quick check once a week could avert a much more serious problem later.

5. Keep backups offsite

If your business premises suffer a fire or flood, it is likely that backup media will be lost as well. Fireproof safes only protect media for a given time, typically one hour - if you use one, check manufacturer's specification. If you always keep your backup tape in server then when it is stolen thief will probably throw tape away. It's worth nothing to him, but it could represent bankruptcy to you.

6. Produce a "backup recovery" manual

A major disaster is not time to try to remember how to recover data from your backup media. Have an idiot-proof, step-by-step procedure written - with a copy stored off-site - detailing how to reinstate your company data.

7. Test recovery procedure periodically

Without warning, give backup recovery manual to a member of staff and see how long it takes them to recover data. Many organisations never do this! No one involved with creating manual or backups themselves should be involved in test. The results of test should be analysed and manual updated accordingly. A recovery test should be carried out at least twice a year. This proves both that backups themselves are usable, and that your organisation understands how to use them if necessary.

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For more information visit http://www.tiger-computing.co.uk or email info@tiger-computing.co.uk

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The potential placement is also directly dependent upon how quickly and efficiently your publicist or PR agency can help media secure placement. Media relations is crucial. Your publicist's job is to make reporter/editor/producer's job as easy and as effortless as possible - which will lead to quicker and more numerous placements for your business.

When it comes to publicity pitches, facts are: placement is totally up to discretion of particular media outlet; and very few media responses are immediate. I have in fact had media outlets respond even before media release seemed to settle in fax machine tray. Conversely, I also had one media outlet that responded 17 months after a pitch. (I had to ask reporter what YEAR was on release!) NO placement is guaranteed, but you can definitely increase odds. Even if your product/business if a dead-on perfect match for a media outlet's editorial profile, you are not guaranteed placement without some hard work and media relations. That's why timing of your publicity pitch is so critical. Have your publicist get your pitch to media, allow editorial staff to digest it a bit, and strategically and professionally "rattle cage" over next several weeks to generate as many placements as possible.

What we are trying to do is plant seeds in media outlets' editorial garden so they will bear fruit -- in form of articles/show placements -- continuously over next several weeks and months. Like plant that comes from a seed, publicity placements can also grow roots and lead to other arterial media placements in other media outlets. Given right tending, publicity seeds you plant over next few weeks/months will indeed germinate and you'll reap a wonderful harvest for your business well past first quarter of next year.

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