The Binomial Bookstore

GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER:
DATA CENTER DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN ON CD-ROM
by PERSSON ASSOCIATES

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Published by Rothstein Associates Inc.
In stock for immediate shipment!
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GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER is a complete, easy-to-use and understand Data Center
Disaster Recovery Plan Development Methodology and Template for the Information
Technology Infrastructure. Each chapter addresses a plan development topic and provides
the necessary instructions, worksheets (for data collection), plus additional hints and
suggestions.

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“I like your document. It is very straight forward and clear without all the fluff of some of the
other offerings I have seen. We will be able to use this right out of the box.”
- Terry Thornton, Principal
RT Global LLC

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- 10 comprehensive, plan development chapters
- 40 formatted, pre-defined data collection Worksheets
- A total of 114 pages
- Microsoft Word format.

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BENEFITS

- Easy to use,
- Easy to read,
- Easy to understand
- No special software is needed. Only a PC and MS Word (or other word
processor) software are needed
- Presents plan development in a logical progression following 10 specific chapters
- Makes data collection easy by including worksheets that are ready to fill in
- In all, 40 specific data collection Worksheets make the job of building the plan
document faster and easier
- Extremely low-cost alternative to plan development.

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COMMENTS ABOUT GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER

“Extremely easy to use. We simply loaded the CD and started filling out the worksheets.
And,
we were able to add our specific information as we went through the process without a
problem.”

“It was laid out in a logical sequence of tasks to complete. It was like a "By the Numbers"
approach.”

“One chapter at a time allowed us to focus on specific tasks and to see progress sooner.”

“The low price attracted us to the product and we got more than we really expected. Great
value!”

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GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER is targeted for use in developing a disaster recovery plan
for small, medium, and medium/large Data Centers. It addresses all of the components (i.e.
Infrastructure) that need to be in place for a recovery to take place at an alternate location.
Most recovery efforts (initial disaster recovery plans) must start with this plan. Without the
infrastructure in place, it is difficult to implement a recovery effort that would be able to
provide service to the end users of the data center technology.

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

Most data centers contain numerous technology components. For example, CPUs, Disk,
Tape, Communications (LAN, WAN, Voice), data networks (lines, hubs, routers, etc),
Database software, Servers, PC's, Operational software packages, Application Packages,
Internet services (eCommerce), etc. All of the technology components that are needed in
order to implement an operational computer service can be thought of as the “I/T
Infrastructure.”

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CONTENTS

1. IDENTIFY RECOVERY LEADERSHIP TEAMS
Chapter 1 starts the plan development process by clearly identifying who is on
each team and how they can be contacted. This helps identify responsibility as the plan
development process is started. It also provides for the other teams that will be required.
- Worksheet 1.1 = Recovery Leadership Team
- Worksheet 1.2 = Detailed Recovery Teams

2. DOCUMENT EMERGENCY & NOTIFICATION STEPS
Chapter 2 shows examples of all of the emergency documentation and
notification procedures needed to insure the proper protection is in place.
- Worksheet 2.1 = Immediate Emergency Tasks
- Worksheet 2.2 = Local Emergency Services
- Worksheet 2.3 = Company Personnel Call List
- Worksheet 2.4 = Vendor Call List
- Worksheet 2.5 = Escalation Procedure
- Worksheet 2.6 = Damage Assessment Summary

3. IDENTIFY PLAN SCOPE AND ASSUMPTIONS
Chapter 3 is required in all DR Plans. It is absolutely critical that each plan
document contains a statement of scope and objectives. What the plan covers along with
what is not covered must be documented.
- Worksheet 3.1 = Plan Scope
- Worksheet 3.2 = Plan Assumptions

4. INVENTORY COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE
Chapter 4 helps collect the required documentation by providing easy-to-use
worksheets. Each is formatted for immediate use and contains helpful pointers. This
provides the base-point and analysis steps to identify the required recovery components.
- Worksheet 4.1 = Computer Equipment
- Worksheet 4.2 = Operating System Software
- Worksheet 4.3 = Application Software
- Worksheet 4.4 = BIA - Business Impact Analysis
- Worksheet 4.5 = List of All Applications
- Worksheet 4.6 = Critical Application List

5. INVENTORY NETWORK & LAN EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE
Chapter 5 continues the data collection tasks into the network and LAN area.
Once again, easy-to-use, formatted worksheets are included.
- Worksheet 5.1 = Data Communications Equipment
- Worksheet 5.2 = Voice Communications (Optional)
- Worksheet 5.3 = PBX Documentation (Optional)
- Worksheet 5.4 = Procedure to Redirect Communications Circuits
- Worksheet 5.5 = Backup Network Schematic

6. DOCUMENT THE RECOVERY ENVIRONMENT
Chapter 6 assists each plan developed with preformatted worksheets to
document what is required at the recovery location. The included worksheets constitute the
recovery environment.
- Worksheet 6.1 = Recovery Equipment Requirements
- Worksheet 6.2 = Production Network Schematic
- Worksheet 6.3 = Recovery Network Schematic

7. DOCUMENT OFFSITE STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Chapter 7 focuses on one of the absolute critical areas in every recovery plan,
off-site storage. This plan also includes a way to audit what is stored off-site. Keep in mind,
recovery is difficult or impossible without the proper data, forms and procedures stored
offsite.
- Worksheet 7.1 = Vital Records Inventory
- Worksheet 7.2 = Offsite Storage Audit Table for Data Backups
- Worksheet 7.3 = Offsite Storage Facility Checklist

8. DOCUMENT ALTERNATE SITE
Chapter 8 helps document where the recovery effort will be done. This is usually
referred to as the alternate site. There are a number of alternatives that may be evaluated.
This plan shows each one and helps define the best fit.
- Worksheet 8.1 = Current Facility
- Worksheet 8.2 = Site Floor Plan (Optional)
- Worksheet 8.3 = Alternate Site Options
- Worksheet 8.4 = Alternate Site Analysis - Vendor Evaluation Checklist

9. PLAN TESTING AND PLAN MAINTENANCE
Chapter 9 includes two of the most overlooked areas, plan maintenance and plan
testing. It is absolutely paramount that the plan address these in some degree of detail.
This
plan includes a comprehensive set of worksheets to select and implement a logical test
approach and maintenance process.
- Worksheet 9.1 = Activation Preparation Checklist
- Worksheet 9.2 = Test Steps
- Worksheet 9.3 = Draft Test Steps
- Worksheet 9.4 = Test Results
- Worksheet 9.5 = Maintenance Checklist

10. IMPLEMENT OPERATION RESTORATION
Chapter 10 actually provides the set of steps (to be customized to fit each
specific plan) to activate a recovery effort at an alternate location. It also includes an often
forgotten plan element, how to return home after the primary site is restored.
- Worksheet 10.1 = Basic Restoration Steps
- Worksheet 10.2 = Alternate Site Operation Steps
- Worksheet 10.3 = Return to Primary Site
- Worksheet 10.4 = Reference Recovery Procedure List

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DETAILED PROJECT WORK PLAN

GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER also includes a detailed project development Work Plan.
The steps to complete the plan are laid out in a logical, orderly manner. Each step provides a
brief description along with a reference to the required worksheets. It makes the task of
organizing the project simpler than ever.

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Many people faced with the task of developing a disaster recovery plan have a number of
questions and frequently a number of fears about the project. "How do I know if I'm covering
all the right tasks?" "Where do I begin and is there an order to the required project steps?"
"Are there any analysis steps that could change the results of the recovery effort?" "This is
all new to me and I really don't know what the end product should look like".

The good news is that Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) is a very logical, straightforward
"Process". The steps, once presented, fall into a definite sequence of events, analysis
points, and development tasks. This product, GO.RECOVER-Data Center,, is a
step-by-step guide to developing a DRP.

In terms of an overview, which is always helpful to start with, the process can be outlined as
follows:

" One of the first tasks is to simply identify the personnel that will be included in the
DRP process. These are usually the people responsible for the computer Operations,
Network, Applications, and a few more (Facilities, Security, and often key vendors). A
number of these people form the Recovery Team.

" Once the team is identified is it always a requirement to make sure the basic
precautions and emergency procedures are known and included in the DRP. This would
include emergency evacuation steps, notification procedures, escalation procedures and a
process to assess the damage. These constitute the next set of tasks in defining the DRP.
Safety of personnel is very important and a good plan includes the necessary procedures.

" Following the personnel identification process and emergency steps
documentation, the next step is to set the project scope and establish the assumptions.
These are necessary to be sure the expectations about what the DRP will cover are well
documented and known. This is usually a fairly quick process. Often, the initial scope is
simply the computer center. Later, once this is competed, the scope can be expanded.

" No DRP can be completed without a very thorough and complete inventory of the
installed computer hardware, software, and applications. This inventory step serves to make
sure the complete environment if known and documented. For Insurance purposes it is
mandatory in order to recoup any loss. From a recovery standpoint, it is a basis on which to
determine exactly what components are required to backup the mission critical applications.
It is in effect a straightforward inventory step with some degree of analysis to determine
which applications are critical.

" The following next tasks move on to the somewhat more complex "Network"
inventories. The network components are often viewed as complex and difficult to
understand. In order to make the tasks easier; a set of specific worksheets is included.
They can be discussed with the people that have the network experience (and/or with
specific vendors) in order to document what components are in place. This includes the LAN
(Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) components.

" Based on the above steps, the next logical task is to identify what the "Recovery
Environment" will include. This actually is a list of all components needed to support a
recovery effort for the critical business applications.

" Moving along, the next task is to make sure that all of the necessary data is
backed up and stored offsite (often at an Offsite Storage Vendor). It is often said that any
recovery effort becomes impossible without the proper data and software to restore to.
What the task involves is simply to evaluate the current backup process (daily, weekly,
monthly, etc) and make sure copies (usually on tape or cartridges) are sent off for
safekeeping.

" Once the recovery environment is known (defined in the DRP) the next step is to
fit the proper alternate site strategy. This involves evaluating how closely the alternate site
strategy can provide recovery to meet the critical business applications requirements. The
traditional alternate site options include a Hot Site, Cold Site, internal location, outsourcing,
and more recently a mirrored location (redundant facility and equipment, ready to process
quickly). The matching process simply evaluates the required recovery time (for example, 24
hours) against the alternate site solution (Hot Site). Once that is done the costing and
funding process can be started.

" After the decisions are made, the alternate site is selected the actual restoration
tasks (Operations Restoration) can be developed. These are the specify tasks which each
team member is expected to carry out at the time a recovery effort is required or during the
testing of the DRP. These can be thought of as a checklist of tasks.

" Finally, the process of developing a DRP must include a Maintenance Process.
This is absolutely required or the DRP will fall into obsolescence due to lack of updates. If
the DRP becomes out of date (a year old) the possible chance that it will be effective at a
recovery event is very small. The data and contents simply change too fast.

This brief DRP development description should set the stage for a smooth plan development
process. In the end it is a very logical process, one containing a specific set of steps that
build on each one in sequence. Once again, welcome to GO.RECOVER-Data Center.

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EXCERPT FROM THE PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WORK PLAN

Task
Worksheets to Complete

Read through entire Methodology (takes 2 hours) None

Identify project team and recovery teams 1.1, 1.2

Review and customize emergency and notification steps 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,
2.4, 2.5, 2.6

Review, discuss and finalize plan scope and assumptions 3.1, 3.2

Circulate final scope and assumptions to team and project
sponsor for confirmation 3.1,
3.2

Inventory computer equipment and software and applications 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
...etc.

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THE GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT APPROACH:

Each Chapter is very structured in approach. An opening page in each chapter spells out
the following:
A. Objective
B. Purpose
C. Directions
D. Comments
E. Supporting Documentation

Each of these sections contains easy-to-follow text instructions and comments. In addition,
each data collection Worksheet is referenced and is included following page one of each
chapter. A sample follows.

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A SAMPLE OF HOW EACH CHAPTER IS STRUCTURED:

Each chapter contains specific instructions on what must be done, what worksheets to fill
out,
and what must be included. The following is a sample of how each chapter is laid out. A
sample of one of the data collection Worksheets is also attached. In total, there are ten
Chapters and forty Data Collection Worksheets.

SAMPLE - CHAPTER SEVEN

"DOCUMENT OFFSITE STORAGE (VITAL RECORDS) REQUIREMENTS"

Note: This step is mandatory.

A. OBJECTIVE:

Identify any items that should be copied and stored offsite to prevent total loss if
main business site is damaged. These items are frequently referred to as "Vital Records."

B. PURPOSE:

List all key recovery elements to be retrieved from offsite to re-establish
operations in a backup facility.

C. DIRECTIONS:

1. Identify on Worksheet 7.1 all data backups that need to be stored
offsite. Include Full, Mirrored, and Incremental backups and software copies, and send
offsite.
2. List all key procedures, make copies, and send offsite.
3. Ask for copies of any "Special Forms / Supplies." Send a supply or
copy offsite.
4. After offsite is completed, do an audit of data / software using
Worksheet 7.2.

D. COMMENTS:

If an offsite storage facility is not available, use Worksheet 7.3 to identify
appropriate location.

E. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

If an offsite facility is in use, include a copy of the access and retrieval procedures
in this step behind Worksheet 7.1.

WORKSHEET 7.1 : VITAL RECORDS
Main Contact Person: ____________________ Phone: __________

ITEM ....................
DESCRIPTION ....................
FREQUENCY (How often sent off-site?) ....................
CRITICAL (Yes / No) ....................
OFFSITE STORAGE LOCATION ....................

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE: Computer system tapes, PC diskettes, CD's,
software copies, key operational procedures, documentation, network schematics, restore
jobs, source document samples, manual processing procedures (if appropriate), etc.

COMMENT: Data backup tapes are critical to any recovery effort. Be sure to
include "Full System" copies, daily "Incrementals," and any file backups done by specific
applications. Identify "mirrored" data as a separate line item.

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AN ADDED "BONUS" WITH GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER:
A SHORT COURSE ON DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING

Often, a part of the plan development process really requires some up-front training so that
the people involved in the project understand the concepts of Disaster Recovery Planning.
The GO.RECOVER-DATA CENTER Product recognizes that requirement and has included
training material that can be used at the start of the project. The table of contents of the
training materials is as follows:

A SHORT COURSE ON DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING

1. Disaster Loss Impact
2. Disaster Recovery Definitions
3. Business Operations Impact
4. Major Recovery Planning Requirements
5. Project Elements Overview
6. Plan Development Process
7. Risk Analysis
8. Data Collection Tasks
9. Alternate Site Options
10. Alternate Site Requirements
11. Recovery Plan Development
12. Plan Maintenance and Testing
13. Helpful Hints
14. Critical Success Factors

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ABOUT PERSSON ASSOCIATES

Jan Persson has worked in the Information Technology arena since 1967. He began his
formal disaster recovery involvement in 1979 following a major corporate data center
incident that resulted in an immediate Hot Site recovery capability. For the next six years he
served the role of disaster recovery coordinator helping seven operating companies and
numerous remote locations establish their disaster recovery plans.

In 1985 Mr. Persson established his consulting practice which specializes in assisting all
size companies create disaster recovery plans. He has personally developed over 200
plans, all of which included testing as a final step. The client base includes many businesses
such as manufacturing, financial, distribution, food service, legal, health care, recovery
services and more.

The scope of the plans that Mr. Persson has developed include mainframes, mid-range
systems, client servers, business units, networks, voice systems, and most recently
e-Business Web Servers.

Mr. Persson has worked both for and with the three leading Business Recovery companies
(Comdisco, SunGard & IBM) and has been a speaker at the Disaster Recovery Journal
annual conferences. He also conducts regularly scheduled Disaster Recovery Plan
Development workshops for a major business recovery vendor.

He is certified (holds a CDP Title) by the Institute for the Certification of Computer
Professionals.

He is the author of GO.RECOVER-EUC, GO.RECOVER-MID, and, GO.RECOVER-EBIZ for
small and mid-range data centers and e-businesses, respectively (all published by Rothstein
Associates Inc.).

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Published by Rothstein Associates Inc.
In stock for immediate shipment!
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2002, CD-ROM (Microsoft Word format - compatible with Corel Wordperfect).
ISBN #1-931332-14-2
Order #DR662.
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The Binomial Bookstore

IT Disaster Recovery

Rothstein Associates Inc.