Disaster Recovery Journal - Summer 2001 Issue

As I scanned the table of contents for this issue, I was amazed at all the areas business continuity planning now covers. There are articles on insurance, power outages, laptop computer data, network services, ethics, mirroring, telcommunications and more.
When I first started in this business more than 20 years ago, my company at that time worried about backing up our data files and that was about it. Later, there were a few companies adding hotsites to their plans. And from there, contingency planning has grown by leaps and bounds.
Now it covers all areas of a business - data, information systems, facilities, power systems, telecommunications, personnel, legal issues, terrorism, public relations, security, management, budgeting and much, much more. It is really amazing.
But, still, the backbone of any good contingency plan is the backup and continual access to a company’s data. Without that, a company cannot stay in business.
The theme of this issue of Disaster Recovery Journal is network and data backup. We feel it is an important matter that needs to be dealt with by all companies - large and small. Are you satisfied that your company’s data is properly backed up? Do you know the contingency plans that are in place for your company’s data? Are you confident you could stay in business? You’ll find several articles in this issue that will help you answer those questions.
Like all areas of business continuity planning, the data and network backup industry has grown immensely. There are a number of new products and procedures out there that can help you accomplish total data backup. You can read about these options in this issue. If you find one you like or are interested in, you can find a vendor that markets it and get further information. DRJ does not endorse any of the particular products, but we do want to make the information available to our readers so an informed choice can be made.
That same philosophy applies to our alternative site survey, which you’ll find beginning on page 90. The survey lists some of the vendors who offer hotsite, coldsite and mobile facilities. You can get details about the company, their locations and their equipment from this survey. Again, DRJ doesn’t endorse any of the particular companies listed. We’re simply providing a service to our readers. If you are a vendor who isn’t listed, be sure to contact our office so you can be included in next year’s survey. There is no cost to participate.
You’ll also find another very interesting article in this issue of DRJ on the building collapse at an Israeli wedding reception. That collapse made headlines around the world and a videotape of the collapse was shown repeatedly on television newscasts. In this article, you’ll find an account of what took place, why it happened and how the Israeli government is working to prevent another tragedy of this magnitude. The author has also included information on how this one disaster had a ripple effect on many other businesses. I found the article fascinating and hope that you do also.
Tropical Storm Allision has caused great damage to Texas and the Eastern part of the United States. See page 104 for information. We will have more about Allison in the next issue.
I hope that you enjoy this issue of Disaster Recovery Journal. I think you’ll find a lot of information that can help you protect and prepare your company for any type of disaster.
And, as always, I hope to see you at our next conference. Plans are underway to make Fall World 2001 our biggest and best conference yet. It will be held September 16-19 in Orlando, Florida. Make plans to attend now! We already have 625+ attendees registered and it is only June! Also, don’t forget to sign up for our Mock Disaster Exercise sponsored by Advanti.com. The session is limited to 200 and it’s filling up fast. If you’d like a brochure or have any questions about our conference, please call our office.

Richard L. Arnold

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