Diaster Recovery

Disaster recovery plan (DRP) is the process an organization uses to recover access to their software, data, and/or hardware that are needed to resume the performance of normal, critical business functions after the event of either a natural disaster or a disaster caused by humans. While Disaster Recovery plans, or DRPs, often focus on bridging the gap where data, software, or hardware have been damaged or lost, one cannot forget the vital element of manpower that composes much of any organization. The nature of the interruption should determine how a business continuation plan is although the disaster recovery plan provides guidance and documentation upon which to base emergency response, resumption and recovery planning efforts; it is not intended to be a substitute for informed decision-making. Directors, managers and executives must identify services for which disruption will result in significant financial and/or operational losses. Constructing a plan and presenting it to executive management may satisfy the immediate need for having a documented plan; however, this is not sufficient if the goal is to have viable response, resumption, recovery, and restoration capabilities. In order to establish that capability, “plans and the activities associated with their maintenance, including training revisions and exercises, must become an integral part of the planning process” (http://www.csoonline.com).Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan that encompasses activities required to maintain a viable continuity capability ensures that a consistent planning methodology is applied including:
• Implementing accurate and continuous vital records, data backup, and off-site storage
• Implementing capabilities for rapid transferal of voice and data communication circuits to alternative sites
• Providing necessary communications systems to the critical recovery team
• Developing strategies for providing alternative sites for business operations
• Constructing a contingency