The process of assessing damage, following a disaster, to computer hardware, vital records, office facilities, etc., and determining what can be salvaged or restored and what must be replaced.

The process of copying the essential elements of a data processing function, programs, data, data bases, procedures, documentation, etc. Data backup to support any recovery effort must include a storage strategy that physically separates the backup data from the original data, such that there is an absolutely minimal chance that the same event could destroy both copies. Off-site storage in a secure environment is the generally accepted solution.

A data backup strategy in which a full copy of the user’s data base is maintained at a remote data center, often a vendor’s facility. “Writes” to the primary data base also trigger a transmission and a similar “write” to the remote data base. A disaster or interruption at the primary data center may also impact the data base. A successful recovery, very near to the point of failure, is possible using the shadow data base.

A process during recovery of a data system. The conditions that existed at a specific point in time prior to the interruption must be reconstructed such that the processing functions can restart. Multiple data bases or copies of data must be restored to the same or a consistent point in time. Unsuccessful synchronization of data may result in processing functions restarting using data bases from multiple points in time. The products of the processing functions may not reflect an accurate picture and critical functions may produce serious errors.

The component of disaster recovery that deals with the
restoration, at an alternate location, of data center services and computer processing capabilities.

The relocation of an organization’s entire data processing operation.

A pre-established point-to-point communication link between computer terminals and a computer processor, or between distributed processors, which does not require dial-up access.

A formal statement that a state of disaster exists.

A one-time fee, charged by an alternate facility provider, to a customer who declares a disaster. Note: Some recovery vendors apply the declaration fee against the first few days of recovery.

A group of individuals responsible for performing recovery procedures specific to their department.

The use of dial-up communication lines as a backup to dedicated lines.

A communication link between computer terminals and a computer processor, which is established on demand by dialing a specific telephone number.

Any event that creates an inability on an organizations part to provide critical business functions for some predetermined period of time.

The function of controlling the activities of an organization taken in response to a disaster situation. The functions of an emergency management team in an emergency operating center are functions of disaster management. Disaster management continues through the recovery stages until normal business function resumes.

Measures employed to prevent, detect, or contain incidents which, if unchecked, could result in disaster.

A questionnaire used to assess preventative measures in areas of operations such as overall security, software, data files, data entry reports, microcomputers, and personnel.

The ability to respond to an interruption in services by implementing a disaster recovery plan to restore an organization’s critical business functions.

The individual responsible for documenting recovery activities and tracking recovery progress.

The disaster recovery coordinator may be responsible for overall recovery of an organization or unit(s).

The time period between a disaster and a return to normal functions, during which the disaster recovery plan is employed.

The document that defines the resources, actions, tasks, and data required to manage the business recovery process in the event of a business interruption. The plan is designed to assist in restoring the business process within the stated disaster recovery goals.

The technological aspect of business continuity planning. The advance planning and preparations that are necessary to minimize loss and ensure continuity of the critical business functions of an organization in the event of disaster.

An application program developed to assist an organization in writing a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.

 

A structured group of teams ready to take control of the recovery operations if a disaster should occur.

The use of computers at various locations, typically interconnected via communication links, for the purpose of data access and/or transfer.

Connecting to another computer and retrieving a copy of a program or file from that computer.

The practice of gathering the necessary information on actual or potential risks so that a well formulated decision may be reached regarding the potential for financial loss.