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New Virginia IT Systems Lack Network Backup
1sockchuck writes "Virginia's new state IT system is experiencing downtime in key services because of a mind-boggling oversight: the state apparently neglected to require network backup in a 10-year, $2.3 billion outsourcing deal with Northrop Grumman. The issue is causing serious downtime for state services. This fall the Virginia DMV has suffered 12 system outages spanning a total of more than 100 hours, and downtime hampered the state transportation department when a state of emergency was declared during the Nov. 11 Northeaster."
I absolutely love the fact that my post got moderated "overrated". Apparently we have some management types on Slashdot these day that got some mod points. It's a perfect example of how some people feel about BCP.
And uh, aren't "overrated" mod points for things that have been modded up a whole bunch that you don't agree with?
I've been in the business of running networks for many years. I generally find that, as the company gets smaller, the amount of redundancy and unknown problems goes up. I expect every small business that I walk into to have no redundancy and backup systems that work 10% of the time. However, the fact that someone as large as NG and the government overlooked this critical part of system design is amazing to me.
I always explain to my small business clients that 'backups are worthless, restores are priceless.' It generally takes a few seconds to set in before the questions or statements start coming. "But, I have a backup scheduled every night. I take the tapes offsite every Friday."
It's always an eye-opener when I show them the console on their server with lots of red errors indicating that the data on the tapes are incomplete at best. Then, I start talking about the fact that if their server were to die, not only would it take a day or so to get parts for that old thing, but that the likelihood of being able to get it running at 100% again is slim or very costly at best.
Even small businesses will invest in a backup/business continuity device after hearing that and reading our blog that contains 'my company saved the day for a client yesterday'.
Shameless plug: Backups are worthless, restores are priceless blog.