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Today’s business world is one filled with seemingly infinite possibilities for disaster recovery solutions.  There are hardware solutions and software solutions: Hardware load balancers, Server Clustering, Virtual Machines, Automated Tape Libraries, Backup to Disk, and Offsite Storage.  The list goes on and on, and it will probably never end.  One, or a combination of any of these solutions, can meet the needs of business when it comes to high availability and quick recovery from both small and large scale disasters.  For all of the great convenience and piece of mind that these types of technology give us, they are only half of the recovery equation.

What is the other half?  Testing. Testing does two things for your recovery strategy: it identifies weaknesses, and it alerts you to misconceptions about your overall strategy. Weakness in a plan is just that, weakness.  It is common to see people try to gloss over or even hide deficiencies that appear during testing.  Don’t be afraid of the results and don’t avoid them.  Fix them. Finding hidden problems is the point of carrying out exercises and scenarios.  It is so much easier to find solutions to issues in a non-production environment than it is to do it when you are in a real situation. (more…)

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Hi there.  The name’s Robroy.  You don’t know me, but – can I ask a personal question?  It’s about your medical history.

Have you ever had amnesia?

No?  Me neither.  In fact, I have never even met someone who had it.  And yet, rare as it is in real life, amnesia must be one of the most commonly dramatized illnesses in all of Hollywood.

Goldie Hawn lost her memory in Overboard.  Mickey Rourke lost his memory in Angel Heart.  So did Keanu Reeves in Johnny Mnemonic.  And Jim Carrey in … what was that one called … Spotless in Seattle? (more…)

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With the Right Technology in Place, Snow Days Can Be Productive Days

The local weather report said “blizzard by week’s end.” As the week progressed, folks were even calling this the “Storm of the Century,” and “Snowmagedeon.” After much consideration, I sent a company-wide e-mail Thursday night, informing them that Friday would be a snow day. You see, a “snow day” for us means that all phones are forwarded, all systems are available via online desktops, and it is business as usual. Our teams can collaborate via Instant Messenger, and we can share files and computer screens using tools like Skype and GoToMeeting, etc. Short of meeting with clients face-to-face, we are still able to conduct face-to-face meetings via webcams and GoToMeeting. I even conducted my first Skype to Skype video interview for a potential Project Manager. I am happy to report she has been hired.

Now, what does it take to create a successful “snow day?” Well, besides 27 inches of snow, you must examine all areas of the operation to determine what job functions simply can’t be done without being present in the office. Additionally, consider what functions can’t be done without utility services to your office. You may ask, “Why start from what can’t be done?” Well, most folks take care of the obvious elements, but forget things like phone forwarding, remote access, client notifications, and alternative methods for simply getting business done. (more…)

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You’ve set your Goal for 2010 and Management expects you to perform on them.  You’ve spent the last few weeks of the year debating what is attainable, and what is measurable.  Now what? In order for you to achieve your goal, you must first believe you can attain your goal (sometimes believing you already have it, helps).

Let’s relate this to Golf. (more…)

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