Re: Business Continuity Plan

Joanie and Paul,

In a message dated 97-04-23 23:35:19 EDT, you write:

> We're a relatively small AS/400 shop and we don't have a contract with a
>  disaster recovery service. However, we outsource much of our RPG
>  programming and have an understanding with them that they could quickly
>  get us a system to use in the event we have a disaster. We keep an
>  off-site copy of a full backup of the '400 and rotate it out weekly. The
>  on-site backups are kept in a fireproof (and heatproof I hope!!) file
>  cabinet. We looked at disaster recovery centers but found them to be too
>  expensive for our needs.
>  
>  Paul
>  
>  
>  Joanie Clark wrote:
>  > 
>  > I'm interested in how many of my fellow Midrange users have a written
>  > continuity plan.  We have a very basic one, but a recent IS audit tells
us
>  > that we need a more detailed and "formal" plan.   I know that there are
>  > "disaster recovery" vendors out there,and of course IBM has offerings
for
>  > such services too. BUT I wanted to know what all of you are doing.
>  >  If possible, I"d appreciate a copy of your plan so we can use it as an
>  > example...

I agree with Peter in that there is more to disaster recovery than just a
RSTLIB.  What do you do if the entire building is wiped out and there are no
computers or terminals?  Where are your backups of PC-based applications?  Do
you have an agreement with a local company on using their /400 in the event
of a disaster -- GREAT unless you live in Grand Falls, ND right now.
 Off-site backups are good, unless your contingency location is under water.

I haven't read Peter's book, but I suspect that it would be an eye-opener.
 Companies tend to focus on their core application system, and forget about
little things like PC's, mail, and phones.  How WOULD you do business without
mail or phones?  Just some things to think about...

Regards,

Dean Asmussen
Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc.
Fuquay-Varina, NC  USA
E-Mail:  DAsmussen@AOL.COM

"Sleep, riches, and health, to be truly enjoyed, must be interrupted." --
Jean Paul Richter
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