CIO Magazine

April 1, 1998, pgs (36-44)

Disaster Recovery

"Disaster Plan: Twelve Steps to Recovery"

1.    Enlist the cooperation of upper management.

2.    Seek help from qualified experts.

3.    Conduct a business impact analysis to identify key
       business functions and IT resources.

4.    Assess the risk of particular disasters based on
       company profile and location.

5.    Devise a detailed, flexible plan that outlines staff
       responsibilities.

6.    Select a company- or vendor-based recovery option
       (that is, a redundant system, hot site, mobile data 
       unit or quick shipment solution.)

7.    Cover all IT equipment vendors that can provide 
       prompt service.

8.    Select IT equipment vendors that can provide 
       prompt service.

9.    Maintain updated vendor information.

10.  Test your plan at least once a year.

11.  Don't underestimate IT needs: Maintain a strong
       technical support staff and plan to replace lost
       equipment with more powerful equipment.

12.  Structure the workload to address top priorities
       first.