When I first heard about planned disaster recovery exercises, I will admit I used to shrug them off as yet another piece of routine IT maintenance. That was until I witnessed a colleague locked out of vital contracts for hours during an unplanned system hiccup. Now, my perspective is a little more cautious, and a lot more curious about how, and when, these tests impact us.
So, with DocuSign announcing a disaster recovery test specifically for their eSignature and IAM platforms in the EU Production region, scheduled for October 25, 2025, I wanted to unpack what this means, especially for those relying on digital signatures and contract management every hour of every day.
Preparedness isn’t paranoia. It’s just common sense.
Understanding the planned test and its scope
If you're like me, the technical jargon can feel a little dense. But the gist is simple: DocuSign will run a regional full-platform failover exercise focused exclusively on eSignature and IAM services in their EU Production environment. The scheduled window is Saturday, October 25, 2025, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM PST. That means it’s a Saturday evening in Europe, which is about as low-traffic as it realistically gets for most organizations.
- No other regions are included.
- The test won’t touch US, Asia, or other production zones.
- DocuSign states there should be no noticeable downtime or interruption. Customers are being told in advance “just in case.”
Honestly, this sounds as gentle as these things get, but, as someone who has tried to finish a deal on a Saturday evening, knowing ahead of time is better than not knowing at all.
Why do companies run disaster recovery tests?
I used to imagine these tests as a theoretical exercise, more performance review than reality check. But the numbers surprised me.
- 23% of organizations never test their disaster recovery plans. The most cited reasons are lack of time (61%) and not enough resources (53%), according to a 2018 Spiceworks report backed by Data Center Review.
- However, in the last few years, disaster recovery responses have become common, a 2022 survey by IDC says that 79% of organizations used their recovery processes at least once in the last year, mostly due to ransomware or malware attacks.
It isn’t just about staying in compliance or ticking boxes. Disaster recovery tests are a chance for companies to prove that their backup and restoration plans work, and that customers’ documents are actually safe when something goes wrong. Without them? You're just hoping for the best.
What DocuSign customers should expect
DocuSign has said outright: there is no expected disruption of eSignature or IAM service during the test period. But they are notifying customers in advance so nobody is blindsided by a hiccup. And if you’ve got deals to close or sensitive documents to sign on October 25, you’ll be just a little more prepared. Here’s what I suggest:
- Double check project deadlines to avoid coinciding with the test window.
- If you’re planning a big document push that Saturday, consider scheduling outside the window if possible for peace of mind.
- Save any work regularly, even though downtime is not expected.
- Have DocuSign Support contact details at hand, just in case questions arise during or after the window.
Just as important, DocuSign reminds users to review policies like the terms of use, privacy notice, cookie settings, information for California residents, their intellectual property notices, and Modern Slavery Act statements. All these reinforce their commitment to legal compliance and transparency, but it’s something many customers overlook until a disruption happens.
Is this test unique? What about other providers?
I know some readers might be asking: “Is DocuSign unique for being so public about this?” Truth be told, disaster recovery has become a must for every major provider with serious clients in the EU. Companies like Dropbox and PandaDoc conduct similar exercises, but the standout is not whether you test, but how open and well-documented you are about it.
From my experience and after seeing many reports, like industry-wide disaster recovery test results from 2022, success rates often reach the 90th percentile, but it’s the communication and planning that separates easier days from long, stressful “where are my files?” moments.
I believe CloudSign.ie goes further than just communication. Our platform is designed from the ground up to offer GDPR-compliant digital signing, AI-driven contract analysis, and a robust free plan, something you’ll struggle to find anywhere else with such an open approach to disaster recovery transparency. And we provide richer insights on document management pitfalls that cost Irish businesses dearly, right from creation to renewal. In case you’re worried about legal matters, take a look at our legal requirements guide for electronic signatures in the EU.
How should organizations prepare for disaster recovery?
If you work on a team that depends on digital signatures and contract management, this test is a great opportunity for a quick check-up. Even if DocuSign expects no impact, I always like to treat the announcement as a free nudge for my own plans.
Here’s a checklist you might find useful:- Review any contracts or documents that might need attention during the schedule window.
- Notify team members and update your internal communications channels.
- Update your documentation to note test times and expectations, instead of relying on memory.
- Test your own incident communication process. Could you alert staff quickly if something did happen?
- Keep a backup plan in mind, just as disruption is unlikely, being ready never hurts.
By contrast, a study on DR testing habits shows that too many firms simply don’t plan or practice for these moments.
What does this mean for digital signature users in 2025?
While disaster recovery as a service in the EU is expected to surpass $2.7 billion in revenue in 2025, growth rates approaching 15% yearly, says data from Statista, the playing field is shifting fast.
I see these tests, and their public communication, as an honest sign that digital document management has grown up. But as users, we need transparency and choice, not just reassurance. That’s exactly why CloudSign.ie puts so much emphasis not only on safety, but also usability, affordable plans (including a free forever tier for individuals), and integrations that don’t simply promise security, they make it obvious.
What practical steps can users take today?
I always suggest reviewing your digital signature platform choices at least once a year, especially as contract law, privacy, and user needs change. If you want a look at how other programs stack up, consider these best electronic signature programs for 2025 or see which tools offer both reliability and value for Irish businesses in this side-by-side comparison.
Most of all, never assume your digital infrastructure “just works.” Demand clear, upfront plans. If you want to understand what makes an electronic signature legally valid in Ireland, I recommend reviewing these key facts on electronic signature validity in Ireland.
Choose transparency, not just technology.
Conclusion
In summary, DocuSign’s planned recovery exercise on October 25 is a carefully-managed event that puts communication and planning first. No downtime is expected, but as users, we benefit from knowing, preparing, and, if needed, questioning. In my experience, the best platforms, like CloudSign.ie, offer both transparency and features designed to respond to modern business risks and legal standards. Curious how we compare or what a robust, intelligent document workflow can do for you? Try CloudSign.ie today and see safe, free digital signatures in action, backed by AI, compliance, and care for every document, every user.
Frequently asked questions
What is a disaster recovery test?
A disaster recovery test is a scheduled exercise where a company simulates a serious service disruption (like a data center going offline) to check if critical systems, backups, and failover solutions work as intended. This helps ensure your documents are safe even when unexpected things happen.
How does the test impact my documents?
For the upcoming DocuSign exercise, your documents and user access are not expected to be impacted at all. The event is scheduled outside peak hours, and is designed as a regional failover test for the EU environment only. It’s always good practice to save work and plan for the possibility, however slight, of a brief delay.
When will the recovery test happen?
The test is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM PST, which is 10:00 PM to midnight Irish time. Only the EU Production environment for DocuSign’s eSignature and IAM will be involved.
Will I see any service interruptions?
DocuSign has made it clear that no interruptions are expected and services should run as normal during the exercise.
How can I prepare for the test?
My advice: check if you have any contracts or documents due around the test window, inform your team, save your work, and keep a backup plan just in case. If you have doubts or run into problems, DocuSign Support is your go-to resource. And of course, for truly transparent digital document management, consider trying out CloudSign.ie’s secure, free plan for peace of mind with every agreement.