Evaluate the criticality of your IT systems in a standardized way instead of using gut feeling. We will show you a simple and proven method that will ensure that you no longer fail in the assessment.
When it comes to Disaster Recovery plans, one of the most important questions is: How business-critical is an IT system and how quickly must it be available again in an emergency? How do I assess the criticality of my systems?
In practice, such decisions are often made on instinct. This leads to inconsistencies and is difficult for others to understand. While a system is classified as indispensable by one department, it is considered secondary elsewhere. It is therefore all the more important to have a structured and comprehensible assessment of the IT systems - as a basis for the Recovery Disaster.
Select methodology for evaluation
There are different approaches for assessing the criticality of IT systems. The choice of method depends on how deep the assessment should go and how strongly it is integrated into existing processes. Here are some common options:
1 Qualitative assessment by specialist departments
Systems are classified as "critical", "important" or "not relevant" based on empirical values. This method is quick, but not very consistent and often difficult to understand.
2. business impact analysis (BIA)
Part of the classic IT risk management methods. Here, the potential impact of failures is analyzed in detail - financially, legally and operationally. The BIA is precise, but time-consuming.
3. point system based on questions
A pragmatic middle way: specific questions (e.g. impact, recovery time, number of affected users) are used to determine a score that leads to a classification. This method is comprehensible, uniform and easy to implement, even for smaller organizations.
Criticality assessment with our online calculator
With our online calculator, we deliberately use the third method. It is clearly structured, easy to understand and can also be used across teams - without special tools or lengthy workshops.
Answer a few specific questions and receive a clear classification of your system - from not relevant to business-critical. This creates the basis for prioritized Recovery and avoids wrong decisions when securing your infrastructure.
What happens after the evaluation?
The result of the criticality assessment shows how relevant an IT system is for business operations - from not relevant to business-critical. This classification is the starting point for the next steps inDisaster Recovery planning. Read our practical white paper for more information on this topic.
The Netstream Workload Availability Service is a proven method of making business-critical systems quickly available again in an emergency.
If you need support with the evaluation or implementation, we will be happy to assist you.
