Growth in digitally storing data has led to more firms pondering how they would cope in the event of a systems failure.

But while disaster recovery planning remains important, one analyst has called for more focus on avoiding these disasters in the first place.

Siemens consultant Dominic Hill said: "Many organisations spend a significant amount of money and effort on recovery capabilities and the associated plans, but neglect to address the issues that would make the operation more resilient and less in need of recovery in the first place."

Firms looking to head off potential disasters before they cause damage to business were advised to make sure their IT networks meet best practice standards as this should reduce the chance of conflict within the system.

In addition, Mr Hill called on firms to keep their documentation up-to-date and monitor the progress of any outsourcing project through "carefully prepared and suitably detailed legal contracts".

By providing targets for the outsourcing agreement to achieve, any hint of the project failing or developing problems may be highlighted before they become disastrous.