Backup and Recovery
Overall, I think Vic had a pretty good plan for backups and recovery. I think his first mistake is not sharing his plan with others. I feel his plan wasn’t made vocal for others to add to it and realize the importance of a data and recovery plan. I think the first step that should have been taken was nightly backups should have been made after each business day. These backups should have been saved and sent to another remote location. This would have ensured that all client’s records would have been saved in a safe spot where they could have been recovered more easily.
Next, I think Vic doing duplicate sets of backups was great. You can never be too careful. I also think that client’s files should have been cleared out yearly and sent to a remote location where they are stored safely. This helps with an overflow of documents and helps keep the office clean but it’s also nice if there is an emergency that a client’s files aren’t totally destroyed in a disaster. I also would have planned to have special file cabinets. Fire proof and water proof cabinets would have been a huge help in this type of situation.
I also like how Vic unplugged and disconnected all network equipment. It was smart to unplug electrical outlets and power strips and attempt to cover equipment. I also like how he packed up two PCs with some networking equipment. I personally depending on the disaster would have attempted to pack more equipment with me. The more equipment you have the faster you can get your operation up and running.
I also would have had multiple plans on where to set up business after a disaster. If you have multiple locations to set up business after a disaster this will help you establish your business again. If you have done the proper backups and procedures and saved the right equipment you might even be able to conduct business at several different locations until the disaster has passed. Being in different locations would allow you