This document defines key terms related to disaster recovery including: alerts, backups, continuity availability, disaster recovery, exercises, recovery time objective (RTO), recovery point objective (RPO), shared responsibility model, risk assessment, redundancy, business continuity, application recovery, high availability, remote sites, assets, and alternative work area. It provides brief explanations of each term and its relevance to maintaining operations and recovering from a disaster.

1. DISASTER RECOVERY
GLOSSARY
Presented by
ALERT
An emergency notification generated when a potentially disruptive event
occurs. Depending on your DR setup, alerts may be sent when precursor
conditions are met or immediately after a service disruption. Alerts typically
include instructions on how to proceed, such as “act” or “stand by.”
BACKUP
The process of copying and storing data at an alternate location for use in
the event of disaster. Can be accomplished using local servers, cloud-based
migration, or physical media such as magnetic tape.
CONTINUOUS
AVAILABILITY
Refers to the ability of specific systems of processes to continue operations
without any noticeable interruption even during a disaster. Typically requires
multisite redundancy and uninterrupted Internet connectivity.
DISASTER
RECOVERY
The entire process of identifying, responding to and mitigating issues, and
remediating all systems after a disaster has occurred. Includes recovery of
data, equipment, applications and other processes to a predefined standard.
EXERCISE
Regular testing of a DR plan to ensure reliability and speed. Ideally,
companies should perform multiple exercises each year, simulating specific
disaster scenarios.
A preset time limit that identifies the goal for maximum downtime allowed
after a disaster. RTOs are met when all systems are back up and running
within that timeframe. Regular testing is critical to meet RTOs.RECOVERY TIME
OBJECTIVE (RTO)
The amount of data which must be recovered in an “acceptable loss”
scenario. This helps determine the type and frequency of backups required.RECOVERY POINT
OBJECTIVE (RPO)
The setup of computing services in which both the user and cloud services
vendor are accountable for portions of IT security.
SHARED
RESPONSIBILITY
MODEL
An evaluation of current IT infrastructure and potential disaster events to
determine DR priorities and create disaster recovery plans. Many companies
now rely on third-party auditors to ensure a thorough risk assessment.RISK ASSESSMENT
The use of multiple sources, storage methods and connections to ensure that
even during a disaster you still have access to key data and processes.
REDUNDANCY
The ability to keep business operations going even after disaster occurs.
Beyond simply “recovering” from a disaster, BC solutions focus on minimal
disruption of day-to-day processes.
BUSINESS
CONTINUITY
Refers specifically to the restoration of mission-critical applications and
software. Occurs after the disaster has ended and basic recovery of
platforms and operating systems has taken place.
APPLICATION
RECOVERY
Refers to the ability of a system or network to keep working with minimal
downtime. For example, many cloud providers now offer 99.999 percent
uptime. Translated, that means there are just over 5 minutes of downtime
per year.
HIGH
AVAILABILITY
Nonlocal storage and computing facilities that provide your company full
access to a replica of your current IT environment. Accessed through secure
Internet connections anywhere, anytime.
REMOTE
SITES
ASSET
Anything your company deems important and necessary to recover.
Typically, assets are data in some form — for example, credit card information
or consumers’ personal data. Assets also can include intellectual property,
finances or operating equipment.
A secondary workspace that contains all of the necessary technology
(including hardware, such as PCs, phones and network connections)
to keep your business running if your primary office space is disrupted.
ALTERNATIVE
WORK AREA