Disaster Recovery 81 Success Secrets. Copyright by Michelle Stein

Transcription

1 Disaster Recovery 81 Success Secrets Copyright by Michelle Stein Notice of rights All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Notice of Liability The information in this book is distributed on an As Is basis without warranty. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of he book, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book or by the products described in it. Trademarks Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the designations appear as requested by the owner of the trademark. All other product names and services identified throughout this book are used in editorial fashion only and for the benefit of such companies with no intention of infringement of the trademark. No such use, or the use of any trade name, is intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with this book. 1

2 Contents How Do I Find a Reputable Contractor Disaster Recovery Specialist? 4 What Disaster Recovery And Business Continuity Planning Can Do To Companies 4 Things You Need To Know About Your Backup Disaster Recovery Plan 5 Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) 6 What is the Value of a Network Disaster Recovery? 6 The Value of Preparing a Computer Disaster Recovery Plan Beforehand 7 Steps in Planning a Disaster Recovery Public Entity Business Interruption 8 The Importance of Any Testing Disaster Recovery Plan Efforts 9 The People Within A Disaster Recovery Team 10 What Measures Disaster Recovery Planning Templates 10 The Difference Between Disaster Recovery And Business Continuity Plan 11 The Quick Fix: HP One Button Disaster Recovery 12 Why Should I Opt for a Disaster Recovery Solution? 13 DRS - Making a Mark on Disaster Recovery Services 14 Disaster Recovery Definition In Layman s Terms 15 Typical Disaster Recovery Policies 15 Creating A Community Bank Disaster Recovery Software 17 Disaster Recovery Plan - The Key to Surviving Disasters 18 Assurance Through Disaster Recovery Testing 18 Establishing Backup Disaster Recovery Sites for Business Continuity 19 A Positive Note On The Cost of Outsourcing IT Disaster Recovery 20 Hiring The Services Of A Disaster Recovery Company 20 What Are the Components of a Sample Disaster Recovery Plan? 21 Factors In Choosing A Sample Plan for Disaster Recovery 22 Data Disaster Recovery - Restoring Information from Damaged Media 23 A Well Run Company Always Has An IT Disaster Recovery Plan 23 The Role of the Server Administrator in the Server Disaster Recovery Process 24 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery - Roles Intertwined 25 ServerVault Will Secure Your Data Center Disaster Recovery Plan 26 7 Points In Favor of the TAMP Disaster Recovery System 27 The Features of Disaster Recovery Software 27 Disaster Recovery Plan for Floods - Protecting Computer Databases When Calamity Strikes 28 Bank Disaster Recovery Planning Goes Beyond the Usual 29 Business Continuity And Disaster Recovery Planning For Organizations 30 Implementing A Business Disaster Recovery Plan 30 The Disaster Recovery Journal - Providing Solutions to Ensure Business Continuity 31 IT Disaster Recovery - Preventive Measures on How to Deal with Threats 32 Factors In Building A Disaster Recovery Plan ÄîThe DRP 33 Hospital Disaster Recovery Plan - Safeguarding People s Lives Saved on Databases 34 Should My Organization Opt for Outsourcing IT Disaster Recovery Efforts? 35 Should We Start Outsourcing Disaster Recovery Plans? 35 Disaster Recovery Jobs: A Quick View On Responsibilities Of Disaster Recovery Managers 36 2

3 Portfolio for Disaster Recovery ÄîYour Key Towards the Right Choice 37 Disaster Recovery Plan Shareware: Know Its Importance 37 Should We Be Concerned About Computer Disaster Recovery? 38 The Value of Disaster Recovery Planning Shareware 39 Disaster Recovery In Florida: Debris Removal Through Contractor 40 Five Factors An Example Disaster Recovery Plan Must Have 40 Things You Must Consider About A Disaster Recovery Planning Guide 41 The Benefits Of Having A Business Continuity And Disaster Recovery Plan 42 When Disaster Strikes - Disaster Recovery Defined 42 Business Continuity Plan vs. 43 The Perks of Oracle Database Disaster Recovery 44 The Key Aspects in Creating Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Plan 45 Highly Recommended: Disaster Recovery Training 46 The Key Concepts in Fault Tolerance vs. 46 Disaster Recovery Plan Templates And Its Key Elements 47 Getting A Disaster Recovery Server And Software 48 The Importance Of Having A Data Center Disaster Recovery Plan 48 Finding The Right Disaster Recovery Plan Template 49 Disaster Recovery Through Disk Based Backups 50 The Importance Of Disaster Recovery Plans 51 The Five Main Phases of a BCP Manual for Computer Disaster Recovery 51 Disaster Recovery Measures in the Data Center 52 The Effects Of Having A Good Disaster Recovery System 53 Disaster Recovery Server SQL Is An Efficient Recovery Partner 53 Oracle Disaster Recovery Redundancy 54 disaster recovery planning software 55 Disaster Recovery Plan and Business Continuity Plan - What Makes the Difference? 56 Three Points For An Effective Applications Disaster Recovery Plan 56 Implementing A Network Disaster Recovery 57 IT Disasters Happen, Thus Disaster Recovery Planning Is Needed 58 Implementing A Disaster Recovery And Business Continuity Plan 59 Disaster Recovery In Tennessee 59 Planning For Disaster Recovery 60 IT Disaster Recovery Plan 61 Disaster Recovery Planning - No More Room for Mistakes 62 Disaster Recovery and Salvage 62 The Importance Of Insurance Policy On Disaster Recovery 74 ITIL Service Continuity is far more than just Disaster Recovery Planning 74 The Innovation of AS/400 Disaster Recovery System 75 3

4 How Do I Find a Reputable Contractor Disaster Recovery Specialist? Business and organizations that have undergone both or either man-made or natural adverse circumstances such as terrorism attacks, windstorms, bomb explosions and earthquakes should hire a reliable disaster recovery contractor. However, make sure to consult first any involved agency about the possibility of getting state aid so that an assessment of the damaged property can be done before any repairs are done on it.how can you find a reputable contractor? First, you have to screen the contractor, whether he is licensed or not. You can ask any of your neighbors who may have previously hired a disaster recovery contractor to repair damages like yours. You should ask for at least three references to see if the contractor has been able to commit to good job performance and charged a fair price from previous clients. You can call your local Better Business Bureau to check out their list of contractors acknowledged by the bureau to be reputable. Secondly, you should jot down any necessary licenses and certifications (such as insurance certification, working license, or building permits) which may be needed if you have to report problems that cropped up later. However, you should not sign any insurance settlements with any contractor. Thirdly, ensure that your signature on a bid does not constitute as an authorization to start the work with the contractor. Next, you must secure written contracts which will cover the scope of work, materials, costs and payment schedules. In making payments to contractors, it is suggested to pay them periodically (meaning, pay a fractional percent so they will start work and also as work progresses.) In addition, purchase materials along with your contractor or pay the supplier directly. You should ensure that the repairs made follow the local building standards. You may hire a structural engineer to double-check the major repairs made before you make a final payment. Lastly, you should demand a release paper of lien from a contractor to protect yourself from any legal claims later on. What Disaster Recovery And Business Continuity Planning Can Do To Companies 4

5 The safety of organizations and businesses are constantly at stake. Everyday they encounter threats and risks from security systems to natural calamity. And without proper guidelines and support, companies can easily reach its downfall. Disasters cannot be eliminated. In fact, the only thing that organizations can do is to prevent it and plan for recovery. Most businesses today do not realize the importance of creating a plan because some companies do not recognize the serious damage this can cause their business. The company s assets are not the only ones who is at stake here. The lives of clients and employees are also in danger if comprehensive emergency measures are not planned properly. Disaster recovery and business continuity planning are very important part of creating a strategic emergency plan. While some are confused on the roles these two are playing, these play a big part in successfully implementing organized plans for the company. Disaster recovery and business continuity planning basically manages and restores the important data and information. This includes appropriate tactical measures in cases of hurricanes, earthquake, sabotage and network failure. Guidelines, precautions, system backup and recovery are just some of the basic requirements of an effective planning. Aside from that it is necessary for companies to train their employees and provide them with the proper instructions when disasters happen. Regular auditing and testing are necessary to ensure the success of recovery plans and continue the normal functions of the company. Things You Need To Know About Your Backup Disaster Recovery Plan Your data center is considerably the brainchild of your operations. This is where every bit of important information is stored and opened up for easy access within the business members. In addition, this is also where operations do their work. The data center carries out the important tasks necessary for you to meet customer needs.this is why a 5

6 backup for disaster recovery must be setup in each data center. They are among the most important part of any disaster recovery plan. A backup disaster recovery plan ensures that the business can still function when the emergency is over.a backup disaster recovery plan must first and foremost have a good storage system which can house all pertinent data with ease. It should be big enough to accommodate all sections, regardless of the file size. Also, it should be able to be user-friendly. Remember that when a disaster occurs, people would always be concerned in doing quick fixes to make everything safe. Thus, a backup disaster recovery plan should not be too technical too manipulate or understand.a good backup disaster recovery plan should also be always reliable. It should be able to withstand anything that might happen. A good backup disaster recovery plan can be used throughout a longer period of time and not just within one emergency. This also helps save the business some additional expenses. So you must choose a backup system which can definitely be called an investment rather than just a plain additional expense for your business. Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) This plan applies to major, usually catastrophic, events that deny access to the normal facility for an extended period. Frequently, DRP refers to an IT-focused plan designed to restore operability of the target system, application, or computer facility an alternate site after an emergency. The DRP scope may overlap that of an IT contingency plan; however, the DRP is narrower in scope and does not address minor disruptions that do not require relocation. Dependent on the agency s needs, several DRPs may be appended to the BCP. What is the Value of a Network Disaster Recovery? The importance of disaster recovery has been known for decades and it is nowadays commonly recognized by IT professionals. The 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center has led to widespread awareness about the need for disaster recovery and many other business continuity concerns. Disaster Recovery signifies a series of action that is taken to major unplanned outages to lessen the ef- 6

7 fects. Hacker attacks, computer viruses, fire, flood, earthquake and many other natural disasters, underground cable cuts, power failure and system administration mistakes may all result in disaster for businesses and other organizations.when preparing or planning your Network Recovery Plan, be sure to include details about Plan Maintenance, Plan Exercise, Plan Location, Plan Distribution, Plan Introduction (that encompasses purpose, applicability, scope, assumptions, and use of the plan), Network Profile (composed of network specifications and network requirements), Plan Activation Procedures (under which falls the plan activation team), Team Members and Responsibilities (active team members and travel to alternative location), Recovery Procedures (restore network services, restoration procedures, original or new site restorations, concurrent processing and plan deactivation), and last, the Appendix (Employee contact list, vendor contact list and network diagrams.)what are the elements of a Disaster Recovery checklist for a Network (which could either be general network, LAN and WAN)? In general network considerations, try to prepare a DR Plan (or Disaster Recovery Plan) and remember to take fractional types of disasters into account; graph and identify your network devices and current network; and do not forget your network security when you encounter a disaster - you do not want your network to be brought down by a virus.for the LAN, be sure that DR LAN is in its perfect setup. Be aware of the LAN pipes and sizes, then, be sure to have backups of all the files and devices of the network configuring tools.for a WAN, there are some questions that you may want to ask yourself are: how do you compare DR WAN network to a Production Network? Have you run checks to test the performance of the DR network? How does the security of a DR Network differ from that of a primary network? Be sure you are ready to answer those kinds of questions. Consider also that this is not a complete list of things to remember in network disaster - it would be best to research thoroughly any that have been left out. The Value of Preparing a Computer Disaster Recovery Plan Beforehand Computer Disaster Recovery may seem like a relatively new area of concern among PC users but it is by no means a new phenomenon. Actually, many PC users have unfortunately suffered a degree of data loss every year in the past. When you compute for it, in 1998 alone, US companies lost as much as $11.8 billion due to data loss. If many IT professionals had already been experienced in Computer Disaster Recovery at that time, most likely the losses would not have been as severe.computer Disaster Recovery can either be practiced (or outsourced) to an independent consultancy firm or assigned to your in-house IT staff. Either way, someone has to be on-site 24/7 so that Computer Disaster Recovery can be addressed as soon as a disaster strikes. The problem is that many IT professionals may be acquainted only with simple drive recovery efforts and think that that already constitutes Computer Disaster Recovery. Simple drive recovery alone is already very expensive (it will cost a business $7,500 to implement) and is not automatically a sure-fire solution to resort to.computer Disaster Recovery should become a more prevalent area of concern for US companies, because statistics show that US businesses suffer more 7

8 than $12 billion in losses annually due to data loss at present. As much as 78% of data loss is attributed to system or hardware failure. On the other hand, 11% of data loss is believed to be caused by human error. Software corruption alone causes just 7% of total data loss nowadays. One of the worst things you may ever face is being caught in a disaster without any weapon to fight with. However, it is a fact of life that disaster may happen when we least expect it. The best weapon against these disasters is preparedness. This is true even when it comes to computers. Computer professionals have made great strides - from being simply prepared to creating a system which allows for disaster recovery even when the unexpected occurs.your disaster recovery plan should focus on data protection. This data protection is the process, procedures and policies for regaining access to data, records, hardware and software that are essential to business operations and have been subjected to a natural or man-made disaster. No business is immune from experiencing such a serious incident, called a disaster, which may hamper normal business operations. A disaster could be caused by floods, accidents, computer malfunctions, explosions, earthquakes, and many more other factors.this is why development of a Basic Disaster Recovery Plan is a fundamental responsibility of every organization.in the planning stage, there are some essentials points to consider. First and foremost, the plan must be approved by top management to ensure the highest level of commitment and ensure support in terms of resources and attention from management. Secondly, the plan must be based on and designed for the needs of the system in case disaster should happen. The so-called DRPs help guard against data loss with the use of backups sent off-site in regular intervals (compsed of software and data information) for data recovery; microfilm copies of files with the use of remote backup facility); Storage Area Networks (SANs); surge protectors (for power control); use of an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) or back up generator; anti-virus software; and other security measures. Even fire prevention and protection may become necessary components of your Basic Disaster Recovery Plan. Steps in Planning a Disaster Recovery Public Entity Business Interruption Business interruption is a common disclosure of all businesses and public entities regarding loss of criti- 8