Back-up and secure data storage. Disaster recovery. Business continuity. All three are equally important. While many organizations focus on the technology for data storage, back-up and disaster recovery, they mean nothing if the company doesn't have the plans and processes for business continuity.

The insurance industry sits right smack in the middle of the intersection where storage, DR and BC meet. As this latest issue of Tech Decisions details, insurance carriers are as vulnerable as other organizations to a crippling natural disaster, targeted cyber attack or other man-made business interruption. And the nature of the property and casualty business, including the sensitivity of the data insurers collect and how critical it is that their operations be able to respond to claims, means DC and BC must be among their biggest priorities.

Just having the ability to store and secure data and then being able to recover it and access it in a timely manner is not enough. Carriers themselves must have airtight business continuity strategies in order to serve their clients, who are most likely dealing with disasters of their own. The claims response process can make or break an insurance company's reputation. And with the consumer empowerment movement in full swing, loyalty doesn't amount to as much anymore if responsiveness isn't there.