Recoverability

Applies To: Forefront Client Security

Recoverability refers to the ability to restore your deployment to the point at which a failure occurred. The ability to recover quickly from a system failure or disaster depends not only on having current backups of your data, but also on having a predefined plan for recovering that data on new hardware.

This section covers the primary elements for which you must plan for fast and efficient recovery from a system failure or disaster, including:

  • Creating database backups—Databases are vital to the recoverability of your deployment.

  • Using hardware standards—Using set standards for hardware improves the maintainability and recoverability of your deployment.

  • Maintaining hardware records—Keeping good records of your hardware configurations and hardware parts suppliers helps make both routine maintenance and disaster recovery more efficient.

  • Maintaining software records—Software configuration records can assist with regular maintenance tasks, as well as with disaster recovery.

  • Planning hardware contingencies—Having a hardware contingency plan can help minimize downtime costs by allowing you to replace hardware quickly in the event of a failure.

  • Providing training and documentation—Proper documentation of your systems and training of your staff is vital for allowing you to recover from a system failure or disaster in the least possible amount of time.

Each of these elements must be part of your backup and recovery plan to ensure your ability to restore your deployment in the event of a system failure or disaster.