Distributed Data Processing & Disaster Recovery Methods

Distributed Data Processing Concepts

Centralizing Data in Distributed Systems

How Data is Centralized in DDP

The data is stored centrally but updated or processed at the local (remote) site. Data is retrieved from the centralized data store, processed locally, and then sent back to the centralized data store.

Centralizing Standards in DDP Environments

Importance of Centralized Standards

The relatively poor control environment imposed by the Distributed Data Processing (DDP) model can be improved by establishing some central guidance. The corporate group can contribute to this goal by establishing and distributing appropriate standards for systems development, programming, and documentation to user areas.

Disaster Recovery Strategies

Key Methods for Data Processing Resilience

Mutual Aid Pact

A mutual aid pact requires two or more organizations to agree to and trust each other to aid the other with data processing needs in the event of a disaster. This method is the lowest cost but also somewhat risky.

Internally Provided Backup

The next lowest cost method is internally provided backup. With this method, organizations with multiple data processing centers may invest in internal excess capacity and support themselves in the case of disaster in one data processing center. This method is not as risky as the mutual aid pact because reliance on another organization is not a factor.

Empty Shell (Cold Site)

In terms of cost, the next highest method is the empty shell, also known as a cold site. This involves two or more organizations buying or leasing space for a data processing center. The space is made ready for computer installation; however, no computer equipment is installed. The risk in this method is that the hardware, software, and technicians may be difficult, if not impossible, to have available in the case of a natural disaster.

Recovery Operations Center (Hot Site)

The method with the lowest risk and also the highest cost is the recovery operations center, often referred to as a hot site. Similar to a cold site, the key difference is that the computer equipment is actually purchased, and software may even be installed. Assuming that this site is far enough away from the disaster-stricken area not to be affected by the disaster, this method can be a very good safeguard.