Alternative location and resources

If the main site cannot be used, the organisation still needs to keep working. The disaster recovery policy should identify an alternative location where operations can continue.

That location needs the right resources, not just empty desks. Alternative hardware must be able to run critical systems, alternative software and licences must let staff do their jobs, and alternative personnel (people with the necessary skills) must be available. Copies of the backups must also be on hand so data can be restored. If any one of these is missing, the organisation cannot function again quickly.

Plan ahead for access

Contingency plans for the alternative location should be made in advance. A key part is guaranteed access to the site: staff must be able to get in and start work without delay. For example, a group of music rehearsal studios names a partner studio across the city as its alternative location; the written agreement reserves two live rooms, and every member of staff's key fob already opens the partner building, with the fobs checked each year. Without this arrangement, staff could arrive and find themselves locked out.

Standardised hardware saves time

Using standardised hardware - the same makes and models throughout the organisation - makes it easier to replicate or reimage equipment at the alternative location. One standard image can be rebuilt onto any machine, so it behaves like every other one. Staff recognise the system straight away and parts can be swapped between machines, which is much faster than setting up lots of different models from scratch.