Disaster Recovery Plan for Hosted TariffShark Servers

Plan Overview

This plan details the phases (Preparation, Implementation, and Execution) required for the disaster recovery of Hosted TariffShark servers running in the Primary Data Center and the steps that will be taken to meet the DR requirements.

The DR requirements are straightforward: (1) Maintain secure offsite records of all data. (2) Restore normal TariffShark server operations in the event of a significant business disruption (SBD).

The mission critical components covered by this plan include all Hosted TariffShark servers and all TariffShark data.

Preparation Phase

The preparation phase includes steps required to create and maintain the offsite DR network.

1. Creation of virtual machine clones of the mission critical servers and databases.

   All hosted TariffShark servers are virtualized in the Primary Data Center using VMware technology. Exact replicas of these machines will be created and stored in the Secondary Data Center.

2. Online backups of critical data.

   Online backups of critical data are performed nightly in the Primary Data Center. The backups are stored in a secure offsite location using UbiStor’s SafeStor software. These backups are monitored for successful completion and verified by both UbiStor and Links Technology.

   The cloned TariffShark servers in the Secondary Data Center are capable of connecting to UbiStor’s vault and restoring data as required in the event of a SBD.

3. Maintenance of lists of critical tasks and contacts required for implementation and execution of the disaster recovery plan.

   Links Technology will maintain a detailed list of tasks required for starting and enabling the DR network and a list of critical contacts for all customers whose TariffShark servers are hosted in the Primary Data Center.

4. Allocation of infrastructure at Secondary Data Center to support the DR network.

   Links Technology will provide an alternate infrastructure at the Secondary Data Center to support the TariffShark servers and provide connectivity to all of its customers and users.

5. Maintenance and testing of DR network.

   The hardware and software components that comprise the TariffShark DR network at the Secondary Data Center will be started and tested quarterly to ensure proper operation. Scheduled maintenance of the TariffShark servers will include installing software updates and patches, updating antivirus definitions, and testing connectivity and performance.

Implementation Phase

The implementation phase details the steps required to deploy the DR network components. These steps would be taken in response to a SBD to activate the DR plan.

1. Start and test all DR network components

   The dedicated TariffShark server equipment allocated for the DR network at the Secondary Data Center will be brought online and tested for proper operation. The TariffShark servers will be started and tested for proper operation.

2. Download and restore current data

   Online backup data from the most recent backups will be restored to the TariffShark servers using UbiStor’s SafeStor software.

3. Restore connectivity

   DNS changes will be made to enable connectivity to the TariffShark servers at the Secondary Data Center.

Execution Phase

The execution phase details the steps that will be followed when the DR Network is operating in a production mode.

1. Step 1: Monitor all devices and confirm network operation and usability of applications.

   Three areas of DR network operations will be monitored to ensure all requirements are being met. These areas are connectivity, application services, and resources.

   • Connectivity: Links Technology will check the DR router, DNS resolution, ESX host and virtual server connections to the local network and Internet, and incoming connections of customers’ users to the DR network for proper operation.

   • Application Services: Links Technology will confirm that all TariffShark servers are operational and available to the DR network users.

   • Resources: Links technology will monitor resource usage of all host servers and routers to ensure that performance levels are maintained.

2. Step 2: Respond to issues and adjust DR network accordingly.

   Links Technology staff will respond to issues reported by users of the DR network and will resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Adjustments to the services provided by the DR network will be made as needed to allow for the optimal performance.

3. Step 3: Determine the scope of the SBD event and proceed to recovery and resumption steps as required.

   The impact of the SBD event on the hosted infrastructure and resources at the Primary Data Center will be evaluated by Links Technology personnel. Recovery and resumption steps will be determined based on the evaluation findings. The DR network will remain in operation as required until the TariffShark servers are able to return to their normal operation at the Primary Data Center.

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