What is a disaster recovery plan (DRP)?

A disaster recovery plan (DRP) is fundamentally designed to provide a structured approach for responding to unplanned incidents that disrupt critical IT operations. This strategic document includes specific procedures and protocols to recover and restore vital systems, applications, and data after a disaster, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to business operations. The focus of a DRP is on continuity; it provides a clear framework for organizations to follow to quickly resume functioning after an incident, which could range from a minor outage to a significant disaster.

In contrast to the other options, which emphasize different aspects of IT management and compliance, the DRP is solely centered on recovery and restoration. While improving system performance or budgeting for IT resources are essential for operational efficiency, they do not address the immediate need to safeguard IT infrastructure in the wake of catastrophic events. Similarly, compliance guidelines for data protection pertain to regulatory requirements and best practices aimed at safeguarding data rather than the tactical response and recovery measures necessitated by disasters. Thus, the definition encapsulated in the correct answer reflects the DRP's crucial role in organizational resilience and readiness in emergency situations.