What follows is, possibly, relevant to any disaster as much as to a cataclysmic event in an Information System. To convey the idea rather than a standard specimen, only the frame has been sketched in; to be interpreted, as applicable, to an organization or a situation.

This submit deals with aspects: the tasks in planning; and the components to a plan.

Disaster Recovery Planning Tasks

Disaster Recovery Plan tasks can be visualized to be of six major phases, as below:

  • Definition Phase;
  • Functional Requirements Phase;
  • Design Phase;
  • Implementation Phase;
  • Testing and Activation Phase;
  • Maintenance Phase.

Phase-I

In this phase the parameters of all that is to be included is assessed and put in perspective. It would consist of things like.

  • The objectives;
  • Terms of reference;
  • Planning perspective.

Phase-II

Is possibly the most critical phase to include such sections and activities as

  • Making an inventory of resources to be included; e.g. hardware, software, telecommunications components, data life cycles, also actions or movement like date Conversion, Movement, Physical as well as electrical; also procedures and Standard Operating Practices;
  • Critical appraisal of the Applications and the installation against recovery Objectives;
  • Deciding what is to be covered in the plan;
  • Establish priorities based on the criticality of time frames, threats and Organization’s performance.

Phase-III

Is particularly significant in a plan being prepared for the first time 9Note the reference to equipment alternatives) and would include such things as:-

  • Identify design alternatives;
  • Specify in detail, the alternatives e.g. hardware, software, telecommunication, staffing procedures etc;
  • Identify potential vendors: if purchase necessary;
  • Analyze risks in various alternatives as well as costs involved to improve to desired levels;
  • Select the acceptable design: including financial approvals.

Phase-IV

Would put into action the desired and designed Plan and would be made up of:

  • Acquisition of land, building, utilities, hardware, Telecommunications lines etc;
  • Negotiate and sign contracts with vendors, Consultants;
  • Writing of Manual of Procedure;
  • Training of personnel;
  • Site preparation;
  • Development of a test plan;
  • Development of a Maintenance Plan.

Phase-V

Is equivalent to a system test run in computer jargon. It will consist of three Segment as below:-

Segment 1: Paralleling

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Segment 2: Live Testing

Segment 3: Maintenance Testing.

Segment 1

In this, all activities external to the Complex in Disaster Recovery plan are tested or triggered, such as:-

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a) Scheduling all ‘on call’ personnel and practicing the drill;

b) Triggering arrangements external to the complex;

c) Practice ‘back-up’ by invoking them and working job;

d) Validate adequacy of back-up by comparing with a live job selected at random;

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e) Correct errors in plan if any;

f) Repeat(d), (e) till snags, complications and so on are removed and simple, streamlined Standard Operating procedure emerges.

Segment 2

“Set the dogs free” and simulate a breakdown; the following actions will be included:

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g) Attempt to run using the plan only;

h) Correct defects, if detected: retain if necessary and review Standard Operating procedures;

i) Repeat (c) to (h) till drill is free of all bugs, and is simple, reliable, economical and effective.

Segment 3

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Is in the best traditions of Management Science and is invoked on two occasion; as a routine, and whenever there is a change as below:

j) Repeat (g) to (i) annually;

k) Repeat (c) to (f) whenever there is a revision to Plan.

Phase-VI

It is not strictly a part of the planning, as no tasks are performed. It is a development of philosophies during the implementation phase and applied as on-going activity. The stress will be on the software and in this connection, two books must be maintained : software Change authorization and software packages. Other items needing constant maintenance are:-

  • Names, title, Media etc;
  • Back-up library (data systems, Application Software etc.);
  • Documentation and Standard Operating Procedures.