12 Best Disaster Recovery Software Shortlist
After careful evaluation, I've created a shortlist below listing the very top 12 disaster recovery software I'd recommend in 2023:
- Rubrik - Best for scalable cloud data management
- Druva Phoenix - Best for data center protection with global deduplication
- Acronis Cyber Protect - Best for unified cybersecurity and backup solution
- Redstor - Best for integrating data management and protection
- Stellar - Best for advanced file recovery with deep scanning
- IDrive - Best for secure data backups across multiple devices
- GitProtect - Best for protecting Git repositories from data loss
- Portworx Backup - Best for comprehensive Kubernetes backup and recovery
- Veeam - Best for flexible backups across virtual, physical, and cloud platforms
- Zerto - Best for continuous data protection and disaster recovery as a service
- Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery - Best for secure isolation recovery workflows
- Veeam Data Platform - Best for all-in-one premium data management
Navigating the realm of disaster recovery software, it's paramount to comprehend the interplay between key elements such as virtual machines, hybrid clouds, public clouds, and even physical servers. It's a complex world where your critical systems, operating systems, apps, and even the smallest endpoint can be prey to debilitating malware or crippling outage.
I've delved into various tools, considering recovery point and recovery time objectives, the adaptability to virtual environments, and ease of interaction with service providers. I'm aware of the multitude of challenges you face: from maintaining business continuity, and securing your virtual machines in your cloud environment, to safeguarding against malware attacks. It's my mission to steer you towards solutions that not just counter these issues but also enhance your capacity to bounce back with resilience. Check them out in this guide!
What Is A Disaster Recovery Software?
Disaster recovery software is a critical tool used by organizations to ensure business continuity and data integrity in the face of potential IT failures or unexpected incidents. It serves as a safeguard, providing automated backup and recovery solutions to protect valuable data, applications, and systems from various forms of disruption, be it a simple human error or a massive natural disaster.
These tools serve as your fortress, shielding your data by creating off-site, often in cloud environments, copies for recovery and ensuring your service remains easy even during unexpected hiccups.
These robust tools are invaluable to IT professionals, data analysts, and business leaders who understand the importance of data to their operations and cannot afford prolonged downtime or data loss. They use disaster recovery software to promptly restore normalcy after an incident, minimizing the impact on business operations and helping to maintain customer trust and regulatory compliance.
Overview of the 12 Best Disaster Recovery Software
1. Rubrik - Best for scalable cloud data management
Rubrik offers a data management solution that stands out for its scalability and efficiency. This software delivers data protection, search, analytics, compliance, and copy data management in one secure fabric across data centers and clouds.
Why I Picked Rubrik:
I selected Rubrik because it provides an impressive mix of high-performance data management with a cloud-native architecture. Its scalability sets it apart, making it ideal for organizations experiencing rapid growth or handling large volumes of data. Rubrik is "best for scalable cloud data management" because it effortlessly scales in line with business needs, making it a robust solution for handling complex data environments.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Rubrik boasts features such as instant recovery, global real-time search, and ransomware remediation, all aimed at delivering reliable and efficient data protection. Notably, it has an API-first architecture that supports the automation of workflows.
In terms of integrations, it smoothly integrates with various platforms and applications including Oracle, SAP HANA, Microsoft SQL, and Amazon Web Services.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $50/user/month (billed annually). This pricing model includes support and updates, ensuring users always have access to the latest features and the best support.
Pros:
- Excellent scalability adapts to growing data needs
- Real-time global search functionality
- Robust ransomware remediation feature
Cons:
- Pricing could be prohibitive for small businesses
- Requires technical expertise for setup and management
- Annual billing may not suit all businesses
2. Druva Phoenix - Best for data center protection with global deduplication
Druva Phoenix is a data protection solution that simplifies data center backup, archival, and disaster recovery. With a unique focus on data deduplication, it streamlines data management while delivering substantial storage and bandwidth savings.
Why I Picked Druva Phoenix:
Druva Phoenix was chosen for this list due to its emphasis on data deduplication, an approach that eliminates redundant data and significantly reduces storage needs. It stands out with its impressive cloud-native architecture and auto-tiering capabilities.
When it comes to data center protection, Druva Phoenix is "best for global deduplication" because it employs advanced technology to ensure efficient and cost-effective data management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Druva Phoenix offers key features such as global deduplication, ever-incremental backups, and unified management for all your server workloads. This software integrates easily with a variety of platforms including VMware, Hyper-V, SQL, Oracle, and Linux, thus ensuring interoperability with common data center technologies.
Pricing:
Druva Phoenix pricing starts from $50/user/month (billed annually), providing a comprehensive suite of features that simplify and optimize data protection.
Pros:
- Global deduplication reduces storage costs
- Unified management for server workloads
- Broad platform integration
Cons:
- Higher cost might deter small businesses
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- Annual billing model may not fit all budgeting structures
3. Acronis Cyber Protect - Best for unified cybersecurity and backup solution
Acronis Cyber Protect consolidates cybersecurity and backup into a single solution, providing robust defense against cyber threats while ensuring data safety. With its focus on unified protection, Acronis simplifies the complexity of managing separate cybersecurity and data backup systems.
Why I Picked Acronis Cyber Protect:
In my quest for top-notch recovery software, Acronis Cyber Protect made the cut due to its comprehensive blend of cybersecurity and backup. Its approach to merging these often siloed aspects into a cohesive whole is impressive.
I consider Acronis "best for unified cybersecurity and backup solution" as it streamlines the process of safeguarding data while simultaneously protecting against cyber threats.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Acronis Cyber Protect incorporates AI-based threat detection, data loss prevention, and smart disaster recovery management. Additionally, it provides automated backups to ensure data integrity. Crucial integrations include Microsoft 365, VMware, Linux, Oracle, and SAP HANA, which provide a well-rounded cybersecurity and backup solution across various environments.
Pricing:
Pricing for Acronis Cyber Protect starts from $59/user/month. It offers a comprehensive protection suite that covers all cybersecurity and data backup needs.
Pros:
- Unified cybersecurity and backup streamline operations
- AI-based threat detection for proactive security
- Comprehensive integration with various platforms
Cons:
- The cost might be high for smaller businesses
- It may have a learning curve for non-technical users
- The wide range of features could be overwhelming for some users
4. Redstor - Best for integrating data management and protection
Redstor provides an integrated platform for managing and protecting data across live environments, backups, and archives. With Redstor, you get a unified view and control of your data wherever it's stored, making it ideal for complex, heterogeneous IT environments.
Why I Picked Redstor:
I selected Redstor for this list due to its integrated approach to data management and protection. It stood out because of its unified platform that breaks down data silos and simplifies data access, control, and protection.
Thus, I believe Redstor is "Best for integrating data management and protection" given its emphasis on offering an easy, unified experience.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Redstor features include instant data recovery, automated backups, and proactive disaster recovery planning. The software also provides robust data management controls that can help organizations comply with data regulations.
It integrates well with various platforms such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Oracle, providing comprehensive data management and protection across multiple systems.
Pricing:
Pricing for Redstor starts from $15/user/month, providing an integrated data management and protection solution. Note that pricing may vary based on specific needs and data volumes.
Pros:
- Integrated data management and protection reduce complexity
- Instant data recovery provides quick access to lost data
- Strong compliance features assist with regulatory adherence
Cons:
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations
- Interface may be complex for non-technical users
- Setup and configuration may require IT support
5. Stellar - Best for advanced file recovery with deep scanning
Stellar is a powerful data recovery tool that offers deep scanning capabilities to recover lost, deleted, and inaccessible data from any storage device. With advanced algorithms, it ensures an extremely high recovery rate, making it the go-to tool for thorough and precise file recovery.
Why I Picked Stellar:
I chose Stellar because of its superior deep scanning technology that stood out among its peers. Its ability to recover files from nearly any conceivable data loss scenario gave it an edge in my selection process. Therefore, I find Stellar "Best for advanced file recovery with deep scanning" due to its high recovery success rates and the comprehensiveness of its scanning capabilities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Stellar provides a multitude of features including deep scanning, data recovery from encrypted drives, and the ability to recover data from crashed systems. Its advanced algorithms help in recovering data from complex scenarios such as severe drive corruption.
Stellar integrates with various file systems like NTFS, FAT, FAT16, FAT32, and exFAT, making it versatile and applicable for a wide range of data recovery tasks.
Pricing:
Stellar pricing starts from $8/user/month, billed annually. Keep in mind this is the starting price, and the cost may vary based on the specific requirements of your organization.
Pros:
- Comprehensive deep scanning capabilities
- Supports recovery from various file systems
- Can recover data from encrypted drives
Cons:
- The interface can be complex for non-technical users
- Pricing could be a bit high for smaller organizations
- Initial setup may require technical expertise
6. IDrive - Best for secure data backups across multiple devices
IDrive is a versatile backup solution that supports a wide range of devices, providing a easy experience for secure data backups. Its strength lies in its ability to simultaneously manage backups across multiple devices while ensuring high security for all stored data.
Why I Picked IDrive:
In selecting IDrive, I considered its robust device compatibility and secure backup capabilities. These features set it apart from other solutions, offering comprehensive data backup options for a wide variety of devices.
Therefore, when it comes to securing data backups across multiple devices, I believe IDrive stands out as the best choice due to its multi-device support and uncompromised security measures.
Standout Features & Integrations:
IDrive provides powerful features such as real-time backup, snapshot-based recovery, and end-to-end encryption for secure data transfer. It also allows you to manage backups on all connected devices from a unified dashboard.
IDrive offers integrations with several platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, providing a wide spectrum of data backup and recovery options across multiple devices.
Pricing:
IDrive pricing starts from $6/user/month, and this is based on an annual payment plan. Please note that pricing can vary depending on your specific backup needs and number of devices.
Pros:
- Supports multiple device backups
- Provides end-to-end encryption for data security
- Includes a snapshot-based recovery feature
Cons:
- No monthly payment option, billed annually
- Recovery speed can be slow for larger files
- Interface may appear complex to novice users
7. GitProtect - Best for protecting Git repositories from data loss
GitProtect is a specialized tool that focuses on protecting Git repositories from potential data loss. It offers a range of features to ensure that your code repositories remain secure and recoverable at all times, making it an optimal solution for maintaining the integrity of Git repositories.
Why I Picked GitProtect:
When choosing this tool, I focused on its specialized capabilities and unique position within the backup tool landscape. GitProtect stands apart due to its focus on Git repositories, a critical but often overlooked area of data backup.
I believe it is the best for protecting Git repositories as it provides dedicated solutions that cater to the specific needs and nuances of code versioning and backup.
Standout Features & Integrations:
GitProtect offers features such as automated backups, easy restore options, and direct integrations with popular Git platforms like GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab. These integrations facilitate easy backup processes, ensuring that your repositories are always protected without requiring extensive manual effort.
Pricing:
Pricing for GitProtect starts from $10/user/month. Please note that this pricing may vary based on the specific needs of your organization and the size of your Git repositories.
Pros:
- Specialized for Git repository protection
- Offers direct integrations with popular Git platforms
- Provides automated backup features
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for non-Git data backup
- Limited advanced features compared to broader backup solutions
- Pricing may be high for small teams or individual developers
8. Portworx Backup - Best for comprehensive Kubernetes backup and recovery
Portworx Backup is a dedicated solution for Kubernetes backup and recovery. This tool helps protect Kubernetes applications by securing data, managing storage, and ensuring disaster recovery, making it a robust option for Kubernetes environments.
Why I Picked Portworx Backup:
I selected Portworx Backup after careful comparison with other backup tools because it excels in handling Kubernetes data. Its focus on Kubernetes makes it distinct in the market, as it has specific features designed to manage and protect Kubernetes applications.
I believe it is best for comprehensive Kubernetes backup and recovery due to its deep integration and understanding of Kubernetes systems.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Portworx Backup provides features such as automated application-consistent backups, cross-cluster disaster recovery, and multi-cloud backup support. Importantly, it integrates directly with Kubernetes, enabling you to manage backups directly from your Kubernetes dashboard.
Pricing:
Pricing for Portworx Backup starts at $15/user/month. Note that prices may vary depending on the size and complexity of your Kubernetes deployments.
Pros:
- Specific focus on Kubernetes backup and recovery
- Provides cross-cluster and multi-cloud backup support
- Integrates directly with the Kubernetes dashboard
Cons:
- May not be suitable for non-Kubernetes environments
- The interface may be complex for non-technical users
- Could be pricey for small teams or simple applications
9. Veeam - Best for flexible backups across virtual, physical and cloud platforms
Veeam is a versatile backup and recovery solution that caters to virtual, physical, and cloud-based platforms. Its flexibility across these platforms and its range of features to maintain business continuity make it best suited for diverse data environments.
Why I Picked Veeam:
I picked Veeam for its ability to provide broad coverage across different platforms. Its versatility distinguishes it from other tools as it can handle backups on virtual, physical, and cloud platforms with ease. Given this, I judged Veeam to be the best choice for those needing a flexible solution across various platforms.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Veeam provides features like instant VM recovery, automated backup verification, and ransomware protection. It integrates with major platforms and services such as VMware, Hyper-V, and AWS, aligning with its commitment to flexibility and broad platform support.
Pricing:
The pricing for Veeam starts from $40/user/month, with this amount covering the backup and replication suite. It's important to note that this pricing can vary based on the specific needs and configurations of your system.
Pros:
- Broad coverage across different platforms
- Advanced features like instant VM recovery and ransomware protection
- Extensive integrations with major platforms and services
Cons:
- The wide range of features could be overwhelming for new users
- May be overkill for small businesses with simple backup needs
- Pricing could be higher compared to specialized, platform-specific tools
10. Zerto - Best for continuous data protection and disaster recovery as a service
Zerto offers a robust platform that delivers continuous data protection alongside disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS). The tool excels in minimizing data loss by keeping a continuous backup and offers swift disaster recovery which is why it’s a perfect fit for businesses prioritizing uninterrupted data availability and disaster recovery.
Why I Picked Zerto:
In comparing and selecting backup tools, I picked Zerto primarily for its focus on continuous data protection and DRaaS. Many solutions offer scheduled backups, but Zerto's continuous protection approach sets it apart. I determined that for organizations where every bit of data is crucial, and immediate recovery is key, Zerto stands out as the best option.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Zerto's core feature is its continuous data replication, which ensures virtually no data loss. It also offers automated orchestration for disaster recovery, helping businesses recover quickly when needed. Integration-wise, Zerto works easily with most virtual and cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, and more.
Pricing:
Pricing for Zerto starts from $45/user/month, but it varies based on exact requirements and configuration. Note, this pricing is for the Zerto IT Resilience Platform, their flagship product offering.
Pros:
- Continuous data replication ensures minimal data loss
- Automated disaster recovery orchestration speeds up the recovery process
- Broad compatibility with various cloud platforms
Cons:
- Pricing could be on the higher side for smaller organizations
- Continuous data replication may demand significant bandwidth
- Some users report a steep learning curve for getting the most out of the platform
11. Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery - Best for secure isolation recovery workflows
Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery is a data protection tool that specializes in providing secure isolation recovery workflows. Its core strength lies in ensuring data integrity even in extreme scenarios like cyberattacks, making it the preferred choice for businesses that require heightened data security and protection measures.
Why I Picked Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery:
When assessing different tools, I judged Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery to be a standout due to its focus on secure isolation recovery workflows. Not many tools in the market emphasize secure isolation as much as Dell does.
For organizations that have high-stakes data which, if compromised, could be detrimental, I determined Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery to be the best fit.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery excels at creating isolated recovery environments, protecting your data from potentially harmful cyber threats. Additionally, it provides robust analytics and reporting features to detect anomalies and offer insights about data integrity.
As for integrations, the tool works well with various systems and can easily be incorporated into an existing Dell-based IT infrastructure.
Pricing:
The pricing for Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery starts from $100/user/month. This pricing can change based on the specific requirements and configurations of the organization.
Pros:
- Secure isolation recovery workflows ensure high-level data protection
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting features help detect potential threats
- Smooth integration with other Dell systems
Cons:
- Pricing might be a bit steep for smaller businesses
- It may offer features not required by organizations with lower data security needs
- Learning curve may be challenging for those unfamiliar with Dell systems
12. Veeam Data Platform - Best for all-in-one premium data management
Veeam Data Platform is an end-to-end solution designed to simplify and streamline data management across various platforms. The tool is highly versatile, offering robust features that support backup, recovery, replication, and data analytics. This combination of features makes Veeam Data Platform particularly suitable for those seeking premium, all-in-one data management.
Why I Picked Veeam Data Platform:
After comparing various tools, I selected Veeam Data Platform for its comprehensive approach to data management. What sets Veeam apart is its all-in-one approach that integrates all facets of data management into one platform.
Hence, for users who value premium, all-encompassing data management solutions, I find Veeam Data Platform to be the optimal choice.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Veeam Data Platform offers robust features including fast, reliable backup and recovery, data replication, and advanced data analytics. In terms of integrations, it pairs well with a vast array of systems, including VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, Nutanix, and AWS, ensuring that your data can be managed efficiently regardless of the platform you're using.
Pricing:
Pricing for Veeam Data Platform starts from $40/user/month, billed annually. This is the starting price and it can vary depending on the specific requirements of your organization.
Pros:
- Comprehensive data management solution with features such as backup, recovery, and replication
- Wide range of integrations allowing data management across various platforms
- Advanced data analytics for insightful data monitoring and management
Cons:
- Pricing may be on the higher side for smaller businesses
- The all-in-one approach might be overwhelming for businesses with simpler needs
- Annual billing might not suit businesses preferring a monthly payment structure
Other Noteworthy Disaster Recovery Software
Below is a list of additional disaster recovery software that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- IBM Cloud Disaster Recovery - Good for efficient and speedy disaster recovery in the cloud
- Equinix - Good for robust data backup strategies in a global interconnection platform
- Backblaze - Good for affordable and unlimited cloud storage
- Cohesity Helios - Good for unified management of secondary data and applications
- Commvault - Good for comprehensive data protection across multiple environments
- Actifio - Good for its patented Virtual Data Pipeline technology
- Cohesity DataProtect - Good for hyper-converged data protection solutions
- Unitrends Backup - Good for automated testing of backup and recovery processes
- Veritas Backup Exec - Good for flexible backup and recovery options for diverse infrastructures
- Nakivo - Good for virtual, physical, cloud, and SaaS environments backup and recovery
- Datto Alto - Good for small business data protection with an emphasis on recovery
- Bacula Enterprise - Good for network backup solution suitable for large enterprises
- Axcient x360Recover - Good for direct-to-cloud disaster recovery
- Odaseva - Good for Salesforce data protection, privacy, and compliance
- Dbvisit StandbyMP - Good for Oracle disaster recovery and standby databases
- VMware Site Recovery - Good for simplifying the protection of on-premises VMware environments
- Arcserve ShadowProtect - Good for its reliable image-based backup and disaster recovery
Selection Criteria for Choosing Disaster Recovery Software
In my extensive journey of examining and testing a wide array of data recovery tools, I've discovered that there are a few crucial criteria that really determine the overall effectiveness of these tools.
With experience in more than 50 software evaluations, I've learned that for data recovery tools, the emphasis should be on recovery capabilities, security, and usability. Let's delve deeper into these aspects.
Core Functionality
Here are some basic functions a proficient data recovery tool should provide:
- Data Backup: Ability to create a comprehensive and secure backup of data
- Disaster Recovery: Capability to recover data quickly and efficiently in the event of a disaster
- File Restoration: Facility to restore individual files or complete datasets, as needed
Key Features
A few key features I was particularly interested in while evaluating these tools include:
- Automation: Automating the backup and recovery processes ensures data safety even when manual intervention isn't possible.
- Encryption: The tool should offer robust encryption to protect sensitive data during backup and recovery processes.
- Version Control: This feature allows users to access and restore previous versions of their files.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Enables tracking and management of backup processes in real-time for better control and efficiency.
- Compliance Assurance: Helps ensure that all data backup and recovery processes comply with the relevant regulations.
Usability
When it comes to usability, I concentrated on these areas:
- User Interface: A well-designed, intuitive user interface is vital. Tools that provide a dashboard view of the backup status, health reports, and recovery options are particularly helpful.
- Onboarding: Quick and hassle-free setup and configuration make a tool stand out in terms of usability.
- Support: Responsive customer support can be a lifesaver during critical data recovery situations.
- Documentation: Comprehensive user manuals, knowledge base articles, and training resources significantly enhance the overall user experience.
- Scalability: A tool should be easy to scale as per the growing data needs of an organization.
Most Common Questions Regarding Disaster Recovery Software (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using disaster recovery software?
Disaster recovery software provides a multitude of benefits:
- Data Protection: The software ensures that your data remains safe, even in the event of catastrophic events such as hardware failures or cyber-attacks.
- Business Continuity: By enabling quick and effective data recovery, these tools ensure minimal downtime, helping businesses remain operational after a disaster.
- Cost Savings: The cost of data recovery after a disaster without a backup can be prohibitive. Disaster recovery software can save businesses from these unexpected expenses.
- Compliance: Many of these tools have built-in compliance features to ensure your data handling practices are in line with regulatory standards.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your data is backed up and can be recovered swiftly provides substantial peace of mind.
How much do disaster recovery tools cost?
The pricing for disaster recovery tools varies widely based on their features, the size of the business, and the volume of data to be handled.
What are the pricing models for disaster recovery software?
Most disaster recovery tools follow one of three pricing models:
- Per User/Per Month: This is a subscription model where the cost depends on the number of users.
- Perpetual License: Here, you pay a one-time fee for the software and own it forever. However, maintenance and updates might require additional fees.
- Data-Based Pricing: The cost depends on the amount of data you want to protect and recover.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
Typically, subscription-based disaster recovery tools can range from $10/user/month to over $100/user/month, depending on the features and capacity offered. For perpetual licenses, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive disaster recovery software?
The cheapest software often includes limited but essential features and could start as low as $10/user/month, such as Nakivo. On the other hand, premium solutions like Veeam Data Platform can cost over $100/user/month due to their extensive feature set and superior capabilities.
Are there any free disaster recovery software options?
Yes, there are free disaster recovery software options available, though they are usually quite limited in their features and data handling capacity. Examples include tools like Recuva and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free. These might be suitable for individual use or small businesses, but larger organizations typically require more advanced, paid solutions.
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Summary
In conclusion, disaster recovery software plays an essential role in protecting businesses from data loss and ensuring continuity in the face of unexpected events. They come in various forms, each with distinct features, capabilities, and pricing models, making the process of selecting the right one for your business a crucial decision.
Key Takeaways
- Identify Core Functionality: Determine the core functionality that your business requires. This could be continuous data protection, secure isolation recovery workflows, or all-in-one premium data management. Understanding what you need will guide your decision.
- Understand Pricing Models: Cost is always a factor. Knowing the pricing models, whether it's per user/per month, perpetual license, or data-based pricing, will help manage your budget expectations. Remember to consider both the upfront and long-term costs.
- Evaluate Usability: The user experience of a tool can impact its effectiveness. Look for tools with interfaces that match your team's skill level and a good support system in place for training and troubleshooting.
What Do You Think?
In the realm of disaster recovery, each business has unique needs and priorities, which can lead to varying experiences with these tools. I hope that this guide has shed light on the various aspects you should consider when choosing a disaster recovery solution. I encourage you to take time in evaluating each tool before making a decision.
I also acknowledge that the landscape of disaster recovery software is vast and ever-evolving. If you've had a positive experience with a tool that's not on this list, or if you think there's an essential feature I've missed, I'd love to hear from you. Your insights and experiences will only enhance the conversation and help others in their decision-making process.