A Project Methodology for Disaster Recovery Testing in a Server Based Environment

Abstract

Project execution methodologies for conducting disaster recovery testing for a server-based environment at a hotsite are not readily available. If it is the first time an organization is testing the recovery of several applications and a network cutover, devising or locating a methodology for recovery testing at a hotsite can seem overwhelming. The majority of methodologies range from on-site failure and recovery, through mirroring or clustering techniques, to remote recovery through mirroring and or replication, rather than the more predominant tape backup and restoration at the hotsite. Frequently, the methodologies do not detail what steps to take to prepare for, and to execute, applications and network recovery at a hotsite, or how to conduct debriefing of the test results back to the testing team and senior management. This is not to say there are not good methodologies — they are just difficult to find.