THE GO.RECOVER “FAMILY” OF PRODUCTS
FOUR UNIQUE PRODUCTS
1. DATA CENTER PLAN go.recover-i/t Information Technology
2. BUSINESS UNIT PLAN go.recover-euc End User Computing
3. MID-RANGE PLAN go.recover-mid Mid-Range/Remote/Servers
4. ECOMMERCE PLAN go.recover-ebiz eCommerce
TARGET Market for: GO.RECOVER-MID:
Small to Medium size: Companies, Banks, Credit Unions
Remote locations that have some computing:
i. Sales Offices
ii. Branch Offices
iii. Warehouses or Distribution Centers
Production facilities with a small data center
Business Units that have their own servers
PRODUCT BENEFITS
• “Do It Yourself” Guide: It’s a “Step by Step”, by the numbers guide.
• Common PC Software: If you can use MSWord you can use this product.
• Very Low Cost: All the products are priced below $100.
• No Risk Return Policy: It’s simple. Return within 10 days for a refund.
PRODUCT HISTORY
These products were developed by Persson Associates after over 15 years of experience in Disaster Recovery Consulting. The first release was in 1999. Since that time they have been updated numerous times to remain current and build in what is learned about current DRP requirements. Since the products were first sold there have been more than 200 purchased without a single return. Satisfaction, price, clarity of requirements and ease of use remain high. Refer to “About Persson Associates” for a bio on the developer.
IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation couldn’t be easier. All products are delivered in MSWord format. You receive a CD, implementation steps and a general overview of the product implementation process. If you can handle text and tables (for data collection) in MSWord you can implement the product.
“BUNDLING”
It is common for companies to have a requirement for more than one of the products. For that reason, and at customer request, you may purchase all four products for the fixed price of $300. Shipping and handling is included at no charge with the Bundling purchase. Simply note that request on the Order Form.
WELCOME TO “MIDRANGE COMPUTER CENTER”
DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING
GO.RECOVER-MID – From PERSSON ASSOCIATES
Many people faced with the task of developing a “midrange, remote or client server” computer center 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-MID, is a step-by-step guide to developing a DRP. As a first step in the overview process, take a look at the table of contents that follows this section. It should take just a moment.
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 business personnel that will be included in the DRP process. These are usually the people responsible for any local computer Operations, Network, Applications, and a few more (Facilities, Security, and often key vendors). Usually, a manager or team leader is the bet candidate to manager the plan development efforts. 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 business unit location (work area). 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 PC’s, printers, office machines, FAX machines, etc. This inventory step serves to make sure the complete business environment is 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” and “Voice” inventories. The network components are often viewed as complex and difficult to understand. In order to make the tasks easier, a set of specific templates 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 work area. This involves evaluating how closely the alternate site strategy can provide recovery to meet the critical business applications requirements. A detailed template is included to define what exactly would be needed and what recovery components are critical.
• After the decisions are made, the alternate site is selected and the actual restoration tasks (Operations Restoration) can be developed. These are the specific 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-MID. To develop your DRP, read through the Introduction and proceed to Chapter 1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION:
A. Read Me First
B. “How To” Implementation Steps
C. Plan Development “Process” Flowchart
D. Glossary of Terms
PLAN DEVELOPMENT STEPS:
1. Identify Recovery Leadership
Worksheet 1.1 – Recovery leadership
2. Document Emergency Steps
Worksheet 2.1 – Immediate Emergency Tasks
Worksheet 2.2 – Local Emergency Services
Worksheet 2.3 – Escalation Procedure
Worksheet 2.4 – Damage Assessment Summary
3. Identify Immediate Notification Steps
Worksheet 3.1 – Company Personnel Call List
Worksheet 3.2 – Vendor Call List
4. Inventory Computer Equipment and Software
Worksheet 4.1 – Computer Equipment
Worksheet 4.2 – Operating System Software
Worksheet 4.3 – Application Software
Worksheet 4.4 – End User Business Impact Analysis
Worksheet 4.5 – List of All Applications
Worksheet 4.6 – Critical Application List
5. Document Communications Network Services Recovery
Worksheet 5.1 – Data Communications Equipment
Worksheet 5.2 – Voice Communications
Worksheet 5.3 – PBX Documentation
Worksheet 5.4 - Procedure to Redirect Voice Circuits
Worksheet 5.5 - Backup Network Schematic
6. Document LAN Equipment Recovery
Worksheet 6.1 – LAN Recovery Strategy
Worksheet 6.2 – LAN – Production Schematic
Worksheet 6.3 – LAN – Backup Schematic
7. Document Offsite Storage Requirements
Worksheet 7.1 – Offsite Storage
Worksheet 7.2 – Offsite Storage Audit Table
Worksheet 7.3 – Offsite Storage Facility Checklist
8. Document Backup Facility Capability
Worksheet 8.1 – Backup Facility
Worksheet 8.2 – Computer Center Floor Plan
9. Prepare to Implement the Disaster Recovery Plan
Worksheet 9.1 – Activation Preparation Checklist
Worksheet 9.2 – Test Steps
Worksheet 9.3 – Test Results
10. Implement Operation Restoration
Worksheet 10.1 – Restoration Steps
11. Optional: Facility Risk Assessment
General Facility Risk Assessment Checklist
12. Training: A Short Course in Disaster Recovery Planning
GO.RECOVER-MID
LICENSE AGREEMENT
Note: Reading this license agreement as stated accepts all terms and conditions of use
LICENSE GRANT:
PERSSON ASSOCIATES grants to (company name) ____________________ a non-transferable, limited license to use GO.RECOVER as follows:
To use the product at a single location located at _____________________________.
NOTE: Use at multiple locations requires an “Unlimited Use” license agreement. Call for pricing.
LICENSEE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Licensee assumes the responsibility for selection, installation and use of the product. Licensee agrees to utilize the product and related product documentation only for Licensee’s internal disaster recovery program, and agrees not to disclose or otherwise make available, in whole or in part, the product other than to Licensee’s employees as required for the implementation of the program. Licensee shall in no manner take any actions that would infringe on the proprietary or copyright laws of Licensor.
TERM:
This license is in effect until terminated. License may be terminated at any time by giving written notice and returning all product materials - originals and all copies, both printed and on CD/diskette. PERSSON ASSOCIATES may terminate the license at any time if license fails to comply with any conditions set forth in this agreement.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIABILITY:
GO.RECOVER is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties and merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire responsibility as to the quality and performance of the product is with the Licensee. The total liability is limited to the cost of the product.
NO RISK RETURN POLICY:
If the product does not meet your requirements for any reason, simply return the product and all copies of the product to PERSSON ASSOCIATES within 10 days of receipt of the product, and we will return your money less shipping and handling fees.
LICENSE ACCEPTANCE:
It is suggested that you fill out this agreement and keep a copy for your records.
Agreed to by (print name): ________________ Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
By using this CD, you acknowledge that you have read this agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
Company Name: ______________________________
Company Address:_____________________________
Company City/State/Zip:________________________
Contact Person:________________________________
Contact Phone:________________________________
