Disaster Recovery

An Outline of the Principles,

Requirements & Practicalities
Of Disaster Recovery

Keith Rhodes

The University of Central England

Disaster Recovery
Primary Function of D.R. -

To enable the Organisation to carry out

its operations in the most practical manner
following a disaster scenario.

Does not always mean total functionality.

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery
There are 3 main functions to D.R.

Equipment

Data

Personnel

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery
Equipment

Can be replaced

Can be hired

Can be pre-planned

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery
Data

Three types:
Non-Dynamic
Semi-Dynamic
Dynamic
Media is determined by need
Commercial products available
External contracts available

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery
Types of Back-Up -
Non-Dynamic includes operating systems

Semi-Dynamic includes updating of programs

Dynamic usually the data

Back-Up Planning needs to take account of each

type of requirement.

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery
Personnel

Could be your own

Could be hired

Whatever happens must be

able to perform the functions
of the Organisation

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery
The Main Lessons

Recovery must be available without site access

Pre-planning is the key

Planning must include the 3 elements:

- Equipment
- Data
- Personnel

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery

Disaster Recovery Plans must

be practical and operable.

They must support, but not

impede, Organisational operations.

Practicality MUST be considered.

Simplicity is paramount.

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery

1996
Where did a lot of lessons get learned?

The University of Central England

Disaster Recovery
At Arndale, premises access was not possible

There was no access to back-up data even

though it existed

Equipment could be provided

Personnel were available but had no function

NO DATA = NO OPERATIONS
The University of Central England
 Disaster Recovery
B.T.s Re-engineering of D.R. Planning

All data stored 3 miles from operational site

Planning included
Equipment contingency contracts
Data recovery procedures
Disaster Store design
Personnel transfer planning
Specialist trained D.R. staff

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery
Practical steps

Perform a planning exercise

Identify ALL the requirements for operation
Design a D.R. system
Carry out a full D.R. exercise
Note any flaws and rectify then do it again !!!!
Make sure a copy of the D.R. Plan is stored off-site

Do NOT underestimate the effects of a Disaster

The University of Central England

Disaster Recovery

Plan! do not expect when it all goes wrong

that Santa Claus will suddenly appear with
all your goodies in his bag !!!!

The University of Central England

 Disaster Recovery

Question & Answer Session

Practical advice will be given

where possible.

The University of Central England