"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst" is more than just a nugget of sage advice for Mark Giannini.
It's practically his business model.
Giannini, founder of Service Assurance (http://www.saccorp.net), specializes in protecting electronic files and records. He takes seriously the time-honored proverb and encourages all business owners to do the same.
"Without a doubt, advances in technology have increased efficiency and productivity in the workplace," Giannini said. "The downside is that too many businesses don't have a viable plan to access their data in the event of an emergency."
Co-owner Kelli Mitchell agreed.
"For some small companies, the extent of data storage is just backing up their computer's hard drive," Mitchell said. "In today's world, that's not just inadequate, it's dangerous."
Service Assurance provides electronic backup, storage and retrieval of files and records. All information is encrypted and privacy is assured.
In addition to [its] local operation, the company uses a facility in Birmingham, Ala., to store data. In the event of a local emergency -- Giannini cited 2003's Hurricane Elvis -- records are maintained at the remote site and are accessible 24 hours a day.
That's imperative for entrepreneurs like David Tate, president of Signet Inc., a corporate logo and apparel company.
"We hold a lot of data for our clients and there has to be no question that the information is readily available," Tate said. "The redundancy of local and regional sites helps offset any threats to our business records."
According to a 2004 poll by the National Federation of Independent Business, only 38 percent of small-business owners had emergency preparedness plans.
More than 20 percent reported having to close down for at least a day due to the loss of electricity directly related to storms.
And with hurricane season in full force and the potential for widespread damage from flooding, high winds and power outages, business owners...

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