Showing papers on "Disaster recovery published in 2000"

Businesses and Disasters: Empirical Patterns and Unanswered Questions

Abstract: Through five systematic, large-scale mail surveys conducted since 1993, the Disaster Research Center has obtained data on hazard awareness, preparedness, disaster impacts, and short- and long-term recovery among 5,000 private-sector firms in communities across the United States (Memphis/Shelby County, Tenn.; Des Moines, Iowa; Los Angeles, Calif.; Santa Cruz County, Calif.; and South Dade County, Fla.). This paper summarizes findings from those studies in three major areas: (1) factors influencing business disaster preparedness; (2) disaster-related sources of business disruption and financial loss; and (3) factors that affect the ability of businesses to recover following major disaster events. Implications of the research for business contingency planning and business disaster management are discussed.

Managing disaster risk in emerging economies

Abstract: This book presents papers on several events organized by the World Bank's Disaster Management Fund (DMF). The DMF's objectives are to help the Bank provide a more strategic and rapid response to disaster emergencies and to integrate disaster prevention and mitigation measures in all Bank activities. Part I of this book on risk identification contains chapters on the economic impacts on natural disasters in developing countries, including flooding, with the example of Buenos Aires; and time scales of climate and disaster. Part II explores aspects of reducing disaster risk, such as the relationship of infrastructure, natural disasters, and poverty; flooding issues in the United States, incentives for risk management and mitigation concerning cultural heritage; issues related to single-family housing, women, and children; and climate change from a development perspective. Part III looks at strategies for developing countries to more effectively share and transfer disaster risk from the angles of risk and insurance by the poor in developing countries; financing disaster mitigation for the poor; moral dimensions of risk transfer and reduction strategies; incentives for mitigation investment and risk management to encourage public-private partnerships; and linking catastrophe insurance and mitigating disaster losses.

Disaster recovery planning: a strategy for data security

Abstract: The migration from centralized mainframe computers to distributed client/server systems has created a concern on data security. If a disaster occurs to the organization that destroys a server or the entire network, a company may not be able to recover from the loss. Developing an effective disaster recovery plan will help an organization protect them from data loss.

Disasters as Agents of Social Change in Recovery and Reconstruction

Abstract: This paper highlights a variety of studies on disaster recovery and reconstruction, some showing that political, economic, and social change is unlikely after disasters; some showing that change occurs frequently after disasters; and still others showing that both are true, depending on who you are. This paper examines the reasons for these findings and concludes by pointing out pitfalls and opportunities for both research and public policy regarding recovery and reconstruction.

Blueprints for high availability: designing resilient distributed systems

Abstract: What Is Resiliency? Twenty Key System Design Principles Highly Available Data Management Redundant Server Design Failover Management Failover Configurations and Issues Redundant Network Services Data Service Reliability Replication Techniques Application Recovery Backups and Restores System Operations Disaster Recovery Parting Shot Appendices Index.

"Transportation Performance, Disaster Vulnerability, and Long-Term Effects of Earthquakes"

Abstract: This paper discusses the critical role of transportation systems in disaster recovery and the development of any long-term economic effects from earthquakes, based on insights from the Kobe earthquake and other disasters. The occurrence of long-term effects on regional economies has been controversial in the disaster literature and are for the most part ignored in earthquake loss estimation models. However, events such as the Kobe earthquake clearly demonstrate that certain kinds of long-term impacts do occur, at least in catastrophic disasters. Moreover, performance and recovery of transportation systems appear to play a major role in the development of long-term impacts. This arises in large part because transportation infrastructure often requires substantially lengthier repair times than other lifeline systems. Focusing primarily on the Kobe earthquake, this paper identifies two particularly significant examples of long-term effects of the disaster: loss of business at marine ports, and the development of striking intra-urban spatial differentials in disaster recovery. In both cases, this paper argues, transportation loss served to accentuate existing social and economic conditions of vulnerability, alter the competitiveness of places (whether globally or within a region), and thereby lead to long-term loss.

Natural Hazards Review

Abstract: The Natural Hazards Review stands on the realization that natural disaster losses result from interactions between the physical world, the constructed environment, and the character of the societies and people who occupy them. The journal is dedicated to bringing together the physical, social, and behavioral sciences; engineering; and the regulatory and policy environments to provide a forum for cutting edge, holistic, and cross-disciplinary approaches to natural hazards loss and cost reduction. The journal offers a means for researchers and practitioners working together to publish the results of truly interdisciplinary and partnered approaches to loss reduction and long-term disaster resiliency. Engineering topics covered include the characterization of hazard forces and the planning, design, construction, maintenance, performance, and use of structures in the physical environment. Social and behavioral sciences topics addressed include a range of issues related to hazard mitigation and human response as well as significant issues related to the built environment such as land use, building standards, and the role of financial markets and insurance. The specific physical science topics covered include those pertinent to understanding the hazardous character of the world and the performance of the structures that we build to accommodate our way of life. More importantly, the journal features papers co-authored by people from a variety of specializations who bring a cross-disciplinary perspective to the complex factors that contribute to disasters in today’s -- and especially tomorrow’s -- world.

Business Continuity Planning: Protecting Your Organization's Life

Abstract: IntroductionSection 1 The Need for Business Continuity Planning Risk and the Need for Business Continuity Planning The Four Phases of Risk Realization The Legal Issues of Business Continuity Planning Building a Culture for Business Continuity Planning Section 2 Crisis Management Identifying a Crisis: A Critical Factor in Business Continuity Planning Crisis Management Planning Learning from a Crisis Plans to Rehearse the Crisis-Before the Crisis Tests the Organization The Crisis Management Command Center Trauma: The Forgotten Factor Section 3 Business Continuity Planning Overview of Business Continuity Planning Corporate Contingency Planning Trials and Tribulations of Business Continuity Planning The Business Impact Assessment Process Selecting the Right Business Continuity Planning Strategies Business Continuity in the Distributed Environment Details Overlooked in Contingency Plans Restoration Component of Business Continuity Planning Systems and Communications Security During Recovery and Repair Section 4 Business Continuity Planning for Communications Network Business Continuity Planning Business Recovery Planning for Communications Documenting a Communications Recovery Plan Adding Communications Network Support to Existing Business Continuity Plans Section 5 Maintenance and Testing of Business Continuity Plans Strategies for Developing and Testing Business Continuity Plans Maintenance and Update of Business Continuity Plans Testing Business Continuity Plans Changes that Could Affect the IS Business Continuity Plan Section 6 Business Continuity Manager's Tool Kit Business Continuity Planning Tools and Management Options Choosing a Hot Site Vendor A Proactive Approach to Improving the IS Business Continuity Plan Reengineering the Business Continuity Planning Process Backup: The Forgotten Essential Section 7 Auditor's Perspective of Business Continuity Planning Using Audit Resources in IT Business Continuity Planning How IS Auditors Can Enhance Business Continuity Planning Auditing Contingency and Business Continuity Planning

Modeling Disaster Response Planning

Abstract: Most emergency management officials work in small organizations with limited resources. Formal disaster response planning is often given a back seat to other activities. If more tools were available to assist in the planning process the results would be better. This paper presents a model that can be used by emergency management officials to assist in the preparation of their disaster response and mitigation plans. The model builds on a geographic information system frame, giving a visual presentation to its users. The necessary databases are described and responsibilities assigned. Included is an example of how the model would be used and an assessment of it by emergency management officials.

Success factors for IS disaster recovery planning in Hong Kong

Abstract: The organization of information technology components into effective enterprise information systems is fast becoming a basic infra‐structural and operational necessity for every organization and business sector. These information systems must be well managed, cost‐efficient, legal, and safe. There is a growing reliance upon IT in many organizations to the point of mission‐criticality. Ideas from disaster recovery planning (DRP) can and should be applied to installed information systems and the new information services whose continuous and reliable functioning may be vital to the organization. This paper reviews the literature concerning the factors that have been identified as essential to the development of DRPs in organizations. As a result of a survey study of four business sectors in Hong Kong: banking, manufacturing, trading, and hotels – the top five critical factors for a successful DRP in information systems are identified with the preferred patterns of DRP identical for three of these sectors.

Strategies for Improving Response and Recovery in the Future

Abstract: The United States has experienced a series of major disasters that have accumulated a total cost, measured in lives lost (or changed forever) and public/private expenditures of funds, of an overwhelming magnitude. With this magnitude of disasters, new ways of addressing disaster response, recovery, and mitigation are being aggressively pursued by every federal, state, and local agency charged with emergency management responsibilities. In the private sector, where disaster losses can mean the difference between success and failure, emergency management is becoming a vital new function in every successful corporate structure. The evolving science of hazard identification and risk assessment, along with remote sensing and other advanced information collection and analysis technologies are providing new tools for emergency managers to use in developing the mitigation, response, and recovery strategies of the future. In this paper we will address strategies being employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take advantage of evolving technologies and innovative uses of resources to meet the challenges of response and recovery in the twenty-first century.

Disaster recovery techniques for database systems

Abstract: The widespread use of computers has brought about revolutionary changes in society. Computers are becoming vital in all aspects of human life, whether employed in life-critical systems such as air traffic control and autopilot navigation control systems, or in point-of-sales management systems and cinema ticket purchasing systems. Data stored in computer systems is often a company’s most valuable asset, one that must be protected at all costs. Businesses also must be prepared to provide continued service in case of a disaster. Fault-tolerance techniques have been employed to increase computer system availability, and to reduce the damage caused by component failure. Vital data is stored on stable storage, which survives failures such as electrical outages or system crashes. Also, redundant copies of data can be placed on multiple stable storage devices. This approach protects data if failures in storage media are independent, but may be ineffective if disaster strikes. Recall the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, which destroyed more than half the city. When the U.S. Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed, data as well as on-site backups were destroyed. Since data losses and system unavailability resulting from a disaster cripple the operation of an organization, federal legislation now requires the development of recovery plans [5]. Extensive backup procedures have been developed to protect against data losses during disasters, such as the grandfather-father-son backup procedure, the incremental logging technique, and the data image dumping method. In addition to guarding against data losses, a system must also provide its normal services after a disaster strikes. Thus, as with data, computer hardware must also be replicated.

Back to the Future: Charting the Course for Project Impact

Abstract: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s Project Impact initiative has drastically altered the landscape of disaster mitigation activities throughout the United States Through partnering with local and state government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations, FEMA has established a means to accomplish a goal of significant mutual benefit: disaster resistant communities By emphasizing the importance of land-use planning in addition to the traditional forms of mitigation, such as acquisition of property, elevation of buildings, and rehabilitation of existing structures, the Project Impact initiative is working toward a comprehensive, community-based process to incorporate technology effectively into hazard identification and sound public policy The writer urges communities to reembrace an approach that respects the land and the forces of nature and to move away from a reflexive orientation toward sole reliance on structural solutions This approach can more effectively establish a future with reduced risk from all natural hazards

Managing technology risks in the healthcare sector: disaster recovery and business continuity planning

Abstract: The relentless onslaught of computers and communications technologies has recently descended on the healthcare industry. Fortunately, however, the utilization of technologies in healthcare delivery and administration could not be timelier because of the need to control escalating health costs. While the proliferation of information and communication technologies in healthcare, referred to as health management information systems (HMIS), is certainly long overdue in healthcare organizations (HCOs), it is important to recognize and be prepared for the vulnerabilities of these technologies to natural, technological, and man‐made disasters. This paper describes how HCOs have justifiably become dependent on HMIS and how these organizations may proactively plan for disasters which can impact on HMIS. A phased approach, referred to as the disaster recovery and business continuity (DRBC) planning model, is presented in the paper as an approach to develop and implement business continuity plans in HCOs.

World bank's role in reducing impacts of disasters

Abstract: The mission of the World Bank is to fight poverty. An important part of this mission is to assist developing countries to prepare for and recover from natural disasters. The World Bank has a long tradition of supporting the disaster management efforts of its client countries. Between 1980 and 1998, the Bank approved approximately 200 operations related to natural disasters, amounting to more than $14 billion in loans. These figures include both postdisaster reconstruction operations as well as projects with com- ponents to mitigate losses before disaster strikes. In recent years, the Bank has placed more emphasis on integrating disaster prevention and mitigation measures into its development activities. After a discussion of the costs of disasters and how they relate to the Bank's mission, this article discusses the Bank's expe- rience in providing disaster-related assistance, provides information on current Bank initiatives aimed at making disaster reduction a central component of development, and discusses the future direction of the Bank's disaster risk-management agenda.

Risk-Based Taxation of Hazardous Land Development

Abstract: Planning scholars have argued that property owners who develop land in hazardous areas, and thereby impose costs on their communities for emergency planning and disaster recovery, should pay their fair share of those costs. We describe a method of allocating such costs for hurricanes based on relative risk and apply it to Lee County, Florida. While the impact on most property owners is likely to be modest, we show that a risk-based assessment can achieve tax benefit equity and be the means of financing local government costs of disaster response and recovery not covered by federal and state disaster aid.

Simulation of disaster recovery of a picture archiving and communications system using off-site hierarchal storage management.

Abstract: The purpose of this communication is to report on the testing of the disaster recovery capability of our hierarchical storage management (HSM) system. Disaster recovery implementation is a requirement of every mission-critical information technology project. Picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) certainly falls into this category, even though the counterpart, conventional film archive, has no protection against fire, for example. We have implemented a method for hierarchical storage with wavelet technology that maximizes on-site case storage (using lossy compression), retains bit-preserved image data for legal purposes, provides an off-site backup (lossless bit-preserving wavelet transform), and provides for disaster recovery. Recovery from a natural (earthquake and subsequent fire) or technical (system crash and data loss) disaster was simulated by attempting to restore from the off-site image and database backup to clean core PACS components. The only existing loaded software was the operating system. The database application was reloaded locally, and then the database contents and image store were loaded from the off-site component of the HSM system. The following measurements were analyzed: (1) the ability to recover all data; (2) the integrity of the recovered database and image data; (3) the time to recover the database relative to the number of studies and age of the archive, as well as bandwidth between the local and remote site; and (4) the time to recover image data relative to compression ratio, number of studies, number of images, and time depth of the archive. This HSM system, which maximizes on-site storage, maintains a legal record, and provides off-site backup, also facilitates disaster recovery for a PACS.

An International Disaster Recovery Business Alliance

Abstract: There is an urgent need for increasing the capacity for business recovery in communities throughout the world. This goal is a major challenge for the 21st century and requires that we find innovative ways for creating disaster mitigation plans for businesses and communities. The Disaster Recovery Business Alliance (DRBA) concept provides a model for developing such capabilities. The communities currently developing DRBA infrastructures are setting the foundation for local and regional economic recovery models that can be used in any locale. In addition, these communities are establishing standard terminology and guidelines that will facilitate the sharing of information in the future.

Knowledge Acquisition Using Multiple Domain Experts in the Design and Development of an Expert System for Disaster Recovery Planning

Abstract: iii List of Tables vii List of Figures viii Chapters

Disaster recovery project management

Abstract: This paper is based on the actual process and lessons learned addressing specific equipment, as a result of Hurricane Georges hitting a gulf coast refinery, in September 1998. The paper addresses the unique requirements and solutions discovered in managing this type of project. Topics covered include the damage incurred and the long term reliability concerns, project definition and methodologies, recovery technical requirements and processes, equipment identification and documentation, information and database management, teaming and value of alliances, and on-site support service requirements. The paper is aimed at pointing out the challenges faced when large-scale disaster occurs. This information can greatly improve readiness, response time and minimize down time and lost earnings when large-scale outages occur.

A method of disaster recovery for re-writable disk media

Abstract: A method for media disaster recovery when recording data to re-writable disk media can include defining a sequence of recordable units (RUs) in the re-writable disk media wherein each RU in the sequence has a maximum data capacity. Data can be sequentially recorded in each RU, in sequence. When data has been completely recorded in an RU, RU metrics can be computed. Subsequently, the computed RU metrics can be stored in an RU information file in the re-writable disk media. Significantly, responsive to a media disaster, for example a power outage, a disaster RU can be identified in the RU information file. Specifically, the disaster RU can be an RU in which data had been incompletely recorded during the media disaster. Upon identifying the disaster RU, the sequential recording of data can resume in an RU next in sequence to the disaster RU.

Disaster recovery planning by HMOs: theoretical insights.

Abstract: HMOs are becoming increasingly reliant on health management information systems (HMISs) for their effective functioning, competitive viability, and survival. Because of this critical dependence, HMOs must use disaster recovery planning (DRP) to safeguard their HMIS assets from natural as well as man-made disasters. This article purposes a theoretical framework, based on the theory of organizational innovation, to explain the factors involved in the adoption of DRP by HMOs.

Digital disaster reduction system

Abstract: Natural disaster is one of the major cha1lenges to the world during the Twenty-firstCentury for sustainable development of society. in this paper, the concept of Digital DisasterReduction System (DDRS) is presented. Based on the advanced computer technology and un-derstanding of natural disaster, the frame of digital disaster reduction system (DDRS) is des-cribed. DDRS is constituted by integrating of computer hardware and software, supported bythe remote sensing, global positioning system and geographic information system, web technolo-gy,viftual reality, with rational mathematical and physical models of disasters as the core ofthe system to simulate the who1e process of natural disaster. The proposed DDRS could beapplied not only for disaster prevention and reduction, but also being a powerful tool forstudy of natural disaster itself.

Disaster recovery schedule supporting device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a disaster recovery schedule supporting device for speedily recovering a damaged facility group in the case of disaster or the like while considering entire recovery efficiency. SOLUTION: A disaster recovery schedule supporting device 10 is provided with a local information storage means 1 for storing facility utilization information of each area, a facility damage estimating means 2 for estimating the disaster damage condition of a facility corresponding to each area and a priority storage means 4 for storing the priority of each area. A local damage operating means 3 for operating the local damage condition in each area based on the facility utilization information stored in the local information storage means 1 and the disaster damage condition estimated by the facility damage estimating means 2 is connected to the local information storage means 1 and the facility damage estimating means 2. A facility recovery procedure determining means 5 of determining the recovery procedure of the facility based on the local damage condition operated by the local damage operating means 3 and the priority of each area stored in the priority storage means 4 is connected to the local damage operating means 3 and the priority storage means 4.

Disaster recovery planning by health maintenance organizations: the role of business impact analysis and testing

Abstract: With increasing dependence on information technology, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) need Disaster Recovery Planning to protect their information systems environment. This paper investigates the impact of Business Impact Analysis and testing on successful implementation of Disaster Recovery Plans (DRPs) by HMOs. A survey reveals that HMOs that conduct Business Impact Analysis are more likely to test DRPs and HMOs that actually test DRPs are more likely to implement them.

A Framework for Disaster Recovery Planning: Methodology in Three Industry Environments

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Disaster Recovery Planning is the act of drafting alternative business processes when regular or normal processes cannot be performed. When vital business operations, such as communications infrastructures, are affected and mission critical systems are compromised, disasters are amplified. These alternative plans must be flexible enough to be partially or fully implemented depending on the nature of the disaster. Isolated business or service disruptions, as well as large scale community wide disasters, have shown that a well designed and tested enterprise wide continuity plan must be in place. Ensuring that an organization's assets, operations, commitments and relationships are protected is a critical element of staying in business. Unfortunately, a disaster is usually the test of the thoroughness of these alternative plans (Moore, 1997, 13). The planning and response to catastrophes varies according to cultural norms. For example, Islamic countries devise and write disaster plans. However, the effectiveness and efficiency with which the plans are implemented into operations are likely to be affected by a pervasive fatalism and the acceptance that the "Will of Allah" will prevail, regardless of what is planned. Similarly, the Japanese attitude towards disaster planning is based on ancient traditions, rigid social and business cultures, and a vast maze of bureaucracy. In many developing countries, economic growth has exceeded urban planning and physical development. Therefore, disaster recovery planning may not work given the state of the transportation systems and emergency services in these countries (Gates, 1998, 61). Businesses are always exposed to disasters. These disasters have no respect for cultural, economic, social, political or environmental factors. In a global and ruthlessly competitive environment, those unable to respond rapidly in the aftermath of a disaster will soon lose customers regardless of culture or geographic location. However, this study focuses on disaster recovery within the U.S. DIMENSIONS OF DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING The major dimensions of disaster recovery planning (DRP) are the relationship of cash flow to IT operations and the impact of potential threats on IT operations. The time to recovery and recovery strategy are dependant on these dimensions. The closer the linkage of cash flow to IT operations, the higher the risk and thus, the higher the investment required to minimize this risk. The closer the linkage, the shorter the time span for recovery. After identifying potential threats, organizations must assess the impact of these threats on the organization. If an organization's cash flow is tightly linked to IT operations or the linkage relationship is "Hi," and the potential threats also have a high impact on IT operations, the organization must adapt the recovery alternatives strategy for very high risk organizations. The level of risk determines recovery strategies. [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] The first major dimension of DRP is the relationship of cash flow to IT operations. Organizations are faced with many decisions that have enormous implications when planning for disaster recovery. With the move to ubiquitous information technology, recovery has become even more important in sustaining critical business operations. "A study done at the University of Texas at Arlington found that 85% of businesses are totally or heavily dependent on information systems to stay in business and that losing these systems can cost up to 40% percent of daily revenue. For some organizations, an outage of one hour or less that interrupts the flow of crucial information can cost over $100,000 in lost revenue. An AT&T study showed that nearly 60 percent of financial companies, nearly 50% of service companies, and over 40% of retailers would be seriously affected in less than eight hours without their major information systems" (Overman, Cook, Sandberg, 1995, 18). …

A Contingency Model of IT Disaster Recovery Planning

Abstract: The dependence on information technology (IT) in all functional areas of the organization as illustrated during the recent Y2K crisis clearly demonstrates the need for effective IT contingency planning and disaster recovery strategies To date, research on IT disaster recovery planning is very sparse The present study aims at broadening our understanding of why some firms appear to be more crisis prepared than others and proposes a contingency model of IT disaster recovery planning It extends previous research on IT planning by testing the utility of the strategic grid model for IT disaster planning