In-between plans. Plans for one or more
operating periods between minimum duration
and worst case.
A plan for each major partial failure mode.
While the individual COOP plans are geared to
different objectives, they can usually be constructed
from a common set of modules. It is often most
effective to make a detailed plan for total destruction
since this is the most demanding situation.
Scaled-down versions or individual elements from this
plan can then be used for the less-demanding situa-
tions.
Each COOP backup plan should cover the
following five basic areas:
Performance
specifications.
This is a
statement of the specific ways in which
performance of each task departs from normal;
for example, tasks postponed, changes in cycle
times, and schedules.
User instructions. Backup operation may
require users to submit input in different forms
or to different locations or may otherwise call for
altered procedures. These should be clearly
spelled out to avoid confusion and wasted
motion.
Technical requirements for each AIS task.
Backup operation of an AIS task will require the
availability at the offsite AIS facility of the
following items: current program and data files,
input data, data control and operating instruction
(which may differ from normal instruction),
preprinted forms, carriage control tapes, and the
like. These requirements must be documented
for each task. Procedures also need to be
established to ensure the materials needed for
backup operation are maintained offsite on a
current basis.
Computer system specifications. One or more
offsite computer systems are selected for backup
operation. The following information should be
recorded for each system: administrative
information about the terms of backup use, the
location of the system, the configuration and
software operating system, a schedule of
availability for backup operation, and the
tentative schedule of AIS tasks to be performed
on the system.
Administrative information. It is probable that
COOP backup operation will require special
personnel assignments and procedures,
temporary employment or reassignment of
personnel, use of special messengers, and other
departures from normal. Details are to be
documented, along with guidance on obtaining
required approvals.
When each of the COOP backup plans is
completed, it should include full documentation and
have upper management approval. Each of the plans
may have considerable duplication. However, it is
suggested that each plan be completely documented to
be sure nothing has been overlooked.
RECOVERY PLANNING
The use of a backup facility usually means both
extra expense and degraded performance. Therefore,
give some thought to recovery by developing and
maintaining supporting documents that minimize the
time required for recovery. Furthermore, the AIS staff
will be hard pressed by backup operations. If others can
handle recovery, the workload on the AIS staff will be
reduced during the emergency and the process will
undoubtedly be carried out more effectively and
economically. Recovery from total destruction requires
the following tasks be completed:
Locate and obtain possession of enough floor
space to house the AIS facility with a live-load
capacity as required by the AIS hardware and
suitably located with respect to users and AIS
staff spaces.
Perform required modifications for needed
partitions, raised floor, electric power
distribution, air conditioning, communications,
security, fire safety, and any other special
requirements.
Procure and install AIS hardware.
Procure needed supplies, office equipment and
furniture, tape storage racks, decollators, and so
forth.
Verify that all needed hardware, equipment, and
materials are on hand and in good working order.
Then transfer operations from the backup site to
the reconstituted AIS facility.
If the necessary documents have been prepared and
stored offsite before the emergency, it should be
possible for all but the last tasks to be completely
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