IT Disaster Recovery Testing

Disaster Recovery Test Successfully Completed

The University has successfully completed an extremely complex disaster recovery test for our most critical computer systems. This test involved a simulation of the loss of our primary data centre. The planned response to this was then tested, which involved re-configuring our network and launching and testing key systems at an alternate site. In addition, we tested ITS business continuity processes.

The full test was successfully completed 1.5 hours ahead of schedule on Sunday. This was achieved by shifts covering 20 hours a day and included the work of reversing the process to bring the systems back to normal operations.

This kind of exercise carries considerable risk and requires a high level of planning and control. Whilst there were some stressful moments over the weekend this has been a highly successful test.

I would like to acknowledge and thank staff from throughout the University who contributed towards the testing, particularly IT Services teams involved in the preparation work and those who worked throughout the weekend, under great pressure and with good humour.

In addition, I would like to thank staff from the following areas who assisted with system testing:

• Registrar’s Office
• Finance
• Capital Works & Facilities
• Human Resources
• Audit & Risk
• Teaching Development Unit
• Library.

I would also like to acknowledge staff from the Office of Public Affairs and independent observers Moira Saccasan (School of Accounting) and Stephen Hansen (formerly School of Computing & Mathematics and a recent UWS Psychology graduate).

Thanks are also due to Campus Safety and Security for looking after the teams over the weekend, uwsconnect for providing catering and to the UWS community for bearing with us while systems were offline on Friday.

As always, if you encounter any issues with systems please contact the IT Service Desk on extension 5111.

Regards,

Sarah Chaloner
Acting Director, IT Services

Disaster Recovery Testing

UWS Information Technology Services (ITS) undertook disaster recovery testing on all IT systems from 10.00 pm Thursday, 7 July until 7.00 pm Sunday, 10 July 2011.

This testing was a proactive step to ensure the continued operation of critical IT services in the event of major system failure in a UWS data centre.

The testing simulated major system failure and involved a total shutdown of all IT systems at the University’s main data centre (see examples of what are IT systems). Five critical systems were then transferred to an alternative data centre and tested for their functionality before being transferred back to their original data centre.

The University acknowledges this was of some inconvenience to students and staff however, this testing was critical.

The outcomes of the testing will inform any necessary changes or will confirm the effectiveness of UWS’ IT Disaster Recovery Plan.

Further information about the effects of the disaster recovery testing can found via the frequently asked questions for students and staff.

If you have any queries please email disasterrecovery@uws.edu.au or phone (02) 9678 7761 (ext. 7761).

Important information

Whilst the UWS website will be available to any internet connected computer or device during testing, key systems accessed via the website will be affected and users may come across some broken links as a result.

Classes during disaster recovery testing

Scheduled classes during the disaster recovery testing will continue as normal. Teaching staff are encouraged to download the disaster recovery PowerPoint slide available in the related documents section on this page, to assist with reminding students about the unavailability of all IT systems.

Results release

Results release for Autumn session 2011 have been postponed and will now be released on Wednesday 13 July. For more information about results visit the results webpage (opens in a new window)

Status blog

Whilst email will be available for the weekend it is good practice to use a communication channel which is separated from our infrastructure. IT Services has established a blog which will report on the current status of the disaster recovery testing (opens in a new window) throughout the weekend. Access will be granted to key stakeholders who require detailed status information. We envisage that this will include IT staff, key systems owners, Audit and Risk, some external IT service providers, appointed observers and senior staff or their delegates.

There is a short registration process for a Wordpress account which you will need to have completed before testing commences. Register here for access to the blog. (opens in a new window)

Once you have registered, email p.costley@uws.edu.au with the email address under which you registered, your real name and your reason for needing access. Access will not be given through a direct Wordpress request, and will only be granted if appropriate.