1. Making Disaster Recovery Plans Actionable April 2011
Info-Tech Research Group

2. Introduction Key Insights Survey Question Graphs
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This document has these three main sections:
Key Insights
Survey Question Graphs
Respondent Demographics
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Scott Koopman
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Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group

3. Survey Question Graphs Respondent Demographics Key Insights
Info-Tech Research Group

4. 2
Clearly defining DR responsibilities has the greatest impact on overall DR success
Effective disaster recovery is a product of planning, preparation and execution under pressure, but don’t let Mr. Murphy destroy the plan.
DR plan success is less impacted by these actions. Minimize your organization’s effort on these where possible.
The best laid plans of mice and men are often ripped apart by Murphy’s Law. In DR preparation, ensure even the most mundane tasks are addressed and comprehensively accounted for.
Nothing should be left to chance. Each overlooked aspect of the DR plan creates a weak link plan which could snap at the least opportune moment.
Common but differentiated responsibilities. Provide each team member clear prioritized instructions so they can work in tandem. Disaster response requires a calculated and coordinated response.
Focus on ensuring each DR role is clearly defined. The greater the clarity of the role, the greater the likelihood the team member will fulfill that role.
Source: Info-Tech Research Group, n = 81 14 13 12
Use the Damage Assessment Checklist, to identify which assets have been damaged in the disaster, and to prioritize which systems are to be recovered and in what order.
Defining the duties of DR Team rolesDefining the duties of DR Team rolesDefining the duties of DR Team rolesDefining the duties of DR Team roles
Defining the roles of the DR teamDefining the roles of the DR teamDefining the roles of the DR teamDefining the roles of the DR team
Building a contact list/call treeBuilding a contact list/call treeBuilding a contact list/call tree
Assigning staff to rolesAssigning staff to roles
Each bar represents a statistical estimate of the strength of the correlation between each DR activity and the overall success of the organization at satisfying the RTO and RPOs.

5. 3
Use a combination of Tabletop and Simulation exercises to put your energy where it matters and see real operational impact
A focused approach to DR plan preparedness allows organizations to be disaster ready on a limited budget.
DR plan success is directly impacted by these exercises. Concentrate energy on leveraging them as often as feasible to optimize DR plan preparedness.
DR plan success is less impacted by these actions. These tests are important but effort on these should be prioritized where possible.
Tabletop and simulation tests have a direct impact on the organization’s ability to respond effectively, efficiently in a disaster .
Use Tabletop exercises as opportunities to walkthrough key documentation to maintain operational readiness. By approaching operational readiness as a compilation of numerous digestible portions, it appears less daunting.
View Simulation exercises are a practical validation of the previously reviewed DR plan documentation, procedures and policies.
By using both Tabletop and Simulations in tandem, at different schedules, enterprises are able to optimize disaster recovery capabilities on even a limited budget. 47
Source: Info-Tech Research Group, n = 81 43 33
Table top testingTable top testing
Simulation testingSimulation testing
Call tree testingCall tree testing
Parallel testing
Full scale testingFull scale testing
Each bar represents a statistical estimate of the strength of the correlation between each green activity and the overall success of DR testing initiatives at an organization.

6. Survey Question Graphs Respondent Demographics Key Insights
Info-Tech Research Group

10. Survey Question Graphs Respondent Demographics Key Insights
Info-Tech Research Group

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