GO.RECOVER-I/T Overview

This is a Data Center Disaster Recovery Plan Development "Methodology" for the Information Technology Infrastructure. It provides a complete plan development "Template" in which each chapter addresses a plan development topic and provides the necessary instructions, worksheets (for data collection), and additional hints and suggestions.

It is meant to be a "How To" tool that is easy to use and understand.
It contains:
· 10 comprehensive, plan development chapters
· 40 formatted, pre-defined data collection "Worksheets"
· and in total 105 pages of descriptive text.

Information Technology "Infrastructure"
Most data centers contain a numerous technology components. For example, CPU's, Disk, Tape, Communications (LAN, Wan, Voice), data networks (lines, hubs, routers, etc), Database software, Client Servers, PC's, Operational software packages, Application Packages, Internet service (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".

Target Market
GO.RECOVER-I/T is targeted for use in developing a disaster recovery plan for small, medium, and medium/large sized "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.

Benefits
- Easy to use,
- Easy to read,
- Easy to understand.
- No special software is needed. Only a PC and MSWord software are needed.
- It 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.

The best way to show how comprehensive the GO.RECOVER-I/T Product is to include the complete table of contents. Read through each chapter to understand what is involved in plan development for that topic. Each worksheet is actually a data collection tool that is formatted and ready to use.
GO.RECOVER-I/T
TABLE OF 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 that need to be in place. These are 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 Recovery Environment
Chapter 6 assists each plan developed with the 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, offsite storage. This plan also includes a way to audit what is stored "offsite". 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 2 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

This product 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.

TASK	Description	Worksheets to Complete	Start Date	Status, Comments
1	Read through entire Methodology (Takes 2 hours)	None
2	Indentify project team and recovery teams	1.1, 1.2
3	Review and customize emergency and notification steps.	2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6
4	Review, discuss and finalize plan scope and assumptions	3.1, 3.2
5	Circulate final scope and assumptions to team and project sponsor for confirmation	3.1, 3.2
6	Inventory computer equipment and software and applications	4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Etc. to 25

NOTE: The easy to use "Work Plan" provides in 25 Tasks a logical project development tracking and status reporting tool.

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.

Each chapter contains specific instructions on what must be done, what worksheets to fill out, and what must be included. The following 2 pages are 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 10 Chapters and 40 Data Collection Worksheets.

SAMPLE - CHAPTER SEVEN

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: __________

A "Short Course" on DRP.
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-I/T Product recognizes that requirement and has included XX pages of training material that can be used at the start of the project. The table of contents of the training materials is as follows:

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

Discussions with clients, potential clients, and consultants have elicited the following comments:
- 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.

If the product does not meet your requirements, simply return the product and all copies of the product within 10 days of receipt of the product and we will return your purchase price less a shipping and handling fee.

The GO.RECOVERY-IT price is $99.95. Plus $10. Shipping and handling.
Please follow ordering instructions on the Web Site.

Mr. Persson has been 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 6 years he served the role of disaster recovery coordinator helping 7 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.