Disaster Recovery
A simple
Internet search reveals hundreds of definitions of the term
“Disaster Recovery.” While we must confess that
we didn’t read them all, of the ones we did read, we like
this one best:
"The
process of restoring an nformation system to full operation
after an interruption in service, including equipment repair/replacement,
file recovery/ restoration, and resumption of service to users.”
Most business
leaders see this definition: “$$.” Unfortunately,
a lot of consultants see this definition as well. At Promethius
we don’t believe that disaster recovery has to be expensive.
However, not having a disaster-recovery plan when needed, we
can promise you, will be very expensive.
I. One
of the most important things you can do to prepare for disaster
is to document your network. Keep a paper document offsite
or in a fire-safe vault that outlines the hardware and software
on your network as well as configuration details of the network.
These documents are helpful to have available at all times,
but absolutely essential in a crisis. The more details you
provide in the documentation, the smoother the recovery will
be. For example, having purchase records and receipts will
assist with insurance claims, etc.
II. Have
a written plan of action in the event of an emergency. Don’t
trust your memory or the memory of your IT staff. Write it
down and store it with your network documentation. The document
should include where you will go to retrieve backup tapes,
to find a server on which to restore your files, whose responsibility
it is to carry out various tasks, etc. Top management, if
not the board of directors, should read the plan and sign
off on the document. Disaster recovery is no small matter
and these important decisions should not be left to support
staff.
III. The
most difficult part of the process will be accumulating the
software license keys and media that you will need. Begin
with the software programs that are crucial to your business.
Obtain the necessary CDs and floppy disks, or document the
websites the programs can be downloaded from and keep them
in a safe place. It will be very important that you be able
to locate the software to quickly reinstall those programs.
The last thing you will want to do is wait several days for
the manufacturer to send a new copy. In many organizations,
this step involves choosing a backup location to conduct business;
somewhere the employees can sit down at a computer, use the
telephone, fax machine, etc. Of course, it depends on your
business, your budget and your pain tolerance.
If you would
like help in developing your disaster-recovery plan, please
call the office at 317/733-2388.
 Congratulations
Becky!!
Promethius
Consulting would like to congratulate our own Becky Crane on
her triumphant completion of the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon.
We’re proud of you Becky!
 New
Web Programmer Joins Our Staff
The design
team’s range of talents expanded recently with the addition
of Brad Loveall. Brad joined our staff last month and has begun
work on some major Web projects.
As a Programmer/Analyst
at Promethius, Brad’s responsibilities include database
and Web-based programming and development. He will be partly
responsible for new, modern features we’ll be offering
to our Web clients. Sophisticated e-commerce, dynamic message
boards and database-driven websites are a few projects we currently
have in progress.
After putting
a psychology degree to work for a few years in the mental health
field, Brad wanted a career change. A college advisor made an
unexpected correlation between philosophy and programming that
put Brad on track with computers. He completed the Master’s
program in Information Science at Indiana University.
Outside
of the office, Brad’s interests include modern and abstract
art, psychology and philosophy. He is a music enthusiast and
played bass with a band in college.
Brad can
be reached at bloveall@promethius.com
or 317-733-2388, extension 105.
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