|
"Semper paratus (BE PREPARED)"
- Boy Scouts Motto
Checklists are a great tool...
When a pilot is getting ready for takeoff, the most important thing they do is go through their flight checklist.
If you read last months newsletter, and are taking to heart that you need to get serious about testing your backups, then during this process would be a great time to start creating your Recovery Checklist. Your initial checklist could start off very rudimentary with a simple list of items you're going need to accomplish a basic restore:
1. Last night's backup tape.
2. Tape drive.
3. Backup software.
4. File or directory name.
5. Location of restore.
6. Check user permissions.
7. etc...
Here's an example of a more detailed checklist...
- File Restoration
- Directory Restoration
- SQL Database Restoration
- E-mail Server Restoration to Spare Server
- E-mail Server Restoration to Newly Acquired Server
- Natural Disaster (Fire, Flood, Earthquake)
- etc...
As you go through your different scenarios, from a basic restore of a file or directory, to a complete disaster recovery using dissimilar hardware, your list will get more detailed and the order in which you accomplish tasks will become more important.
1. Off-site location for recovery (everything below off-site as well).
2. This check list.
2. Power.
3. Internet connectivity.
4. Last nights backup tape.
5. Spare server with sufficient disk space, CPU & Memory.
6. Tape drive (or other backup/recovery device) compatible with server.
7. Operating system disks.
8. Operating system license keys.
9. Backup software.
10. Backup software license keys.
11. Key application(s) software.
12. Key application(s) software keys.
13. The long list of steps, drivers and gotchas you learned doing the recovery process.
14. and much more...
Many of the tasks between various checklists will be very similar, however by having different lists for different recovery scenarios it simplifies the process of having to decide which tasks you need to perform or omit, depending on the particular event your dealing with.
Every checklist and/or disaster recovery plan is unique to your organization's needs. Certain servers like e-mail are more critical. Other servers, like those storing archived projects could be down for days without a problem. You need to gauge the importance of each application to your organization, like what resources are needed to keep that application running (servers, software, connectivity) and also work closely with management to create a plan and budget to support keeping your company's data safe!
Equipment & Backup Tapes:
If you're a small business, all of this equipment may be at the owner's home. If you are a medium or large business, maybe you rent rack/power/internet and/or physical storage space from a local co-location data center. Whatever you use make sure it is physically in a different location than your production equipment and readily accessible.
Outsourced Services:
As an alternative there are services available where a backup/disaster recovery appliance is located at your facility that backs up the data every night, or even throughout the day. This appliance can also send encrypted copies of your backups to an off-site location via the internet. The appliance may even be able to virtualize your failed server(s) in the event of an outage to completely minimize downtime. This entire solution can even be tested frequently and managed for you by the provider.
Another option depending on your organization's needs includes insurance oriented services that will guarantee you access to required resources in the event of a disaster of almost any magnitude including:
1. Power: Whether for a room or an entire building. From portable generators to truck transported generators.
2. Internet Connectivity: Portable satellite internet connectivity to keep your business connected to the world even when local resources aren't available.
3. Working Space & Computers: Portable trailers with desks, phones & computers. Even assistance with temporary work space in a building across town for your employees.
The availability of disaster recovery services is almost unlimited. It all starts with looking at your needs realistically, deciding on a budget and getting to work. It's not necessary to have everything figured out from day one, but each time you test your plan you'll learn a little more how to improve on it. In no time, you'll be able to confidently meet your companies RTO and RPO.
Your team at Partners is also available at any point during this process. Whether it's some advice, suggestions or a turn key solution, we're here for you.
~Your Partners at Partners Data Systems
| 
