Much of the focus of disaster recovery planning is on creating redundant data sites and backup tapes. Very often, a crucial component is overlooked: that of keeping current documentation for all IT configuration settings. Having such documentation and the original software discs can restore a network 40 percent faster than running backup tapes.

Access to the latest detailed configuration settings means faster disaster recovery. This paper demonstrates where having detailed configuration documentation fits in the disaster recovery process and how it aids in the rapid restoration of an IT infrastructure.

The characteristics of an "ideal" tool to solve the problem of collecting and documenting current configuration settings and how such a tool and the information it provides can solve some of the day-to-day challenges of managing an enterprise IT infrastructure, will also be outlined.

To be effective, most disaster recovery (sometimes called Business Continuity) plans require extensive testing, skilled personnel, access to vital records, and alternate recovery resources, including backup facilities. Plans are designed to restore an IT infrastructure - the business backbone of today’s corporation—as quickly as possible.

For most organizations, information, and the technology that supports it, represents the organization's most valuable assets. Enterprise applications are deployed over multiple systems and databases—and across multiple locations—making documenting current configuration settings a very difficult task.




Time is Money

The high cost of business downtime goes beyond lost sales. Failure to perform can lead to contractual penalties. Customers who choose an alternate supplier may never come back—and even if they do, your cost of sales can increase due to a new competitive mix. If records such as invoices are lost, you lose revenue on delivered products and services.

While you are waiting to restore your IT infrastructure, you still have to pay salaries or suffer a possible public relations disaster. In the case of the September 11th tragedy, a company’s reputation may not suffer, but stock prices, credit ratings, and cash flow may still be impacted.

Faced with the events of 9/11, enterprise IT departments are focusing more time and money on disaster recovery plans, equipment, and services.

Many enterprises have invested heavily to ensure the survival of the IT infrastructure (e.g. physical data center security and fire prevention equipment) as well as in redundant data centers (e.g. distributed corporate data processing facilities and/or outside services) to ensure business continuity. Most mission-critical applications have their data backed up to tape or other media and these archives (and other critical documents) are best stored in a safe site off the corporate premises.