In business, disruption isn’t a matter of if but when. From hardware failures and power outages to cyberattacks, unexpected challenges are inevitable, no matter how thorough your preparations. To manage these disruptions, business leaders often rely on two key strategies: redundancy and resiliency.
These two terms, although often interchanged, refer to different strategies for maintaining business continuity. Understanding each strategy’s unique role and how to combine them will help safeguard your operations for the long term.
What is redundancy?
Redundancy involves implementing backup systems that immediately jump in if the primary system fails. This eliminates single points of failure, keeping your business up and running during unexpected disruptions.
Think of redundancy as your business’s spare tire. It’s a functional backup to your primary system, kept on hand for when specific issues, such as a flat tire, arise so you can quickly get back on track. While it’s not a permanent replacement for your primary system, it helps maintain operations until repairs or replacements can be made.
Here are some examples of redundancy in business IT:
- A backup power generator to keep your office powered during outages
- A data center equipped with extra network connections and cooling systems so your on-site server can keep running if a component fails
- A cloud-based copy of a critical server that’s always updated, letting you restore the latest data and settings if something goes wrong
What is resiliency?
Resiliency focuses on designing systems that can anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions. It incorporates adaptive design, automated failover, and proactive practices such as chaos testing and fault isolation to maintain uninterrupted service.
If redundancy is your spare tire, resiliency is the toolkit and expertise needed to handle a range of issues. Together, they keep your car — your business — moving, even in the face of unexpected challenges, until proper repairs can be made.
Examples of resiliency in business IT include:
- Systems that can automatically redirect users if part of the service goes down
- Cloud services that can adjust to demand and switch locations if there’s a problem
- Backup and recovery solutions that are tested regularly to make sure they work when needed
- Tools that monitor systems in real time and fix common problems automatically
Redundancy vs. resiliency at a glance
Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison of redundancy and resiliency:
| Attribute | Redundancy | Resiliency |
|---|---|---|
| Core focus | Components (i.e., the parts) | The system (i.e., the whole) |
| Primary goal | Prevent failure of a critical system | Adapt and recover from a crisis |
| Approach | Reactive (i.e., a backup kicks in) | Proactive (i.e., a plan is executed) |
| Deals with | Known, predictable failures | Known and unknown disruptions |
Why your business needs both redundancy and resiliency
Redundancy and resiliency are not an “either/or” choice; they work hand in hand to create a robust business continuity plan. Relying on redundancy alone can fall short when unforeseen challenges arise, while prioritizing resiliency over redundant systems may cause your business to falter under pressure. Together, they form the foundation of a strategy that ensures your business can adapt and thrive, even during disruptions.
Creating a strong business continuity plan: Balancing redundancy and resiliency
To build an effective business continuity plan, you need to find the right balance between redundancy and resiliency to meet your unique needs. Achieving this balance means considering many factors, including:
Business operations
Identify your critical systems and services. Where would downtime be most costly, and which functions are most vulnerable to disruptions? Prioritize redundancy for customer-facing services or systems that support financial transactions, as these have the greatest impact. For less critical internal systems, focusing on resiliency may be a more practical and cost-effective approach.
Risk tolerance
How much risk can your business afford to take? In industries where downtime could severely impact revenue or reputation, redundancy is necessary. However, if your industry can withstand occasional disruptions without major losses, focusing more on resiliency may be a more cost-effective solution.
Budget
Assess how much you can allocate to both continuity strategies. Redundancy often requires significant investment in backup systems and infrastructure, which can be costly. Resiliency, on the other hand, often involves planning, training, and flexible systems, making it a more budget-friendly approach. The key is to allocate resources strategically, addressing your most critical risks without overspending on unnecessary safeguards.
Proactive leaders don’t wait for a disaster. They build both redundancy and resiliency into their business to create an organization built to last.
For expert guidance and tailored business continuity solutions, contact Liberty Center One. Our team can help you implement both redundancy and resiliency strategies, including virtual disaster recovery solutions, to meet your unique needs and ensure long-term success.