The system cost less than US$100,000 and had the added benefit of reducing the backup window to less than six hours, Weinberger said. But the real test came in 2005, when hurricanes Katrina and, in particular, Wilma, hit Fort Lauderdale. While all five of the offices in the hurricanes' path were off-line for up to five days due to a loss of power, the other offices remained up. Attorneys could either work from their homes, if they had power, or travel to one of the other offices that had power, he said.

In fact, Exline said he found Weinberger's experience so compelling he is going to look at the XOSoft product himself.

And as a reminder to attendees that disasters could strike at any time, Pittman mentioned during his presentation that one of his company's office buildings, in Montreal, had to initiate its business continuity plan just that day due to a fire.