Traditional disaster recovery planning (DRP) is a comprehensive approach
to restoring data and technology to an operational state in the event
that facilities or technology systems are destroyed or rendered inoperable.
In contrast, redundant and backup network configurations, high availability
(H/A) and similar technologies are designed to keep systems running
in the event of electronic component or other equipment failure, including
total failure of individual servers or network routers.
Most large corporations have a DRP plan but do not employ H/A technology
for most of their mission-critical systems. Large companies have redundant
and backup network configurations but individual local area networks
within the corporate WAN often have no backup, even at key locations
within the enterprise. Smaller companies frequently have no comprehensive
DRP plan, H/A technology, or redundant network capability. Often small
companies satisfy themselves with off-site backups in the belief that
IT staff, integrators, or vendor service agreements can resolve other
issues.
Surprisingly, both large and small companies suffer similar issues within
mission critical facilities and affecting key business systems. And
ironically, smaller companies with only one location sometimes have
more reliable infrastructures than similar locations belonging to the
largest companies in the world. A GSS Tactical Systems Audit can:
- Improve Reliability
- Reduce Recovery Time
- Find Hidden Problems
- Control and Eliminate Risks
- Protect Business Operations
- Improve Service Levels
What’s in Your Backyard?
DRP and reliability-focused technologies like RAID and H/A are intended
to keep your business running and to allow business operations to continue
or to resume under adverse conditions. But most of the time, IT failures
are much closer to home. Many networks and servers assumed to be reliable
have problems such as:
- Single points of failure
- Inadequate backups
- Unavailable equipment
- Unknown recovery time
- Unlimited business risk
Depending on the applications and users affected, on
the details of business operations, and on the expectations of the organization,
unpredictable outages and unknown recovery timeframes may or may not
have serious ramifications for the company or for IT. Looking at the
big picture, the strategic view, practical details are often lost. In
most companies the potential for tactical failures, and their consequences
are unknown.
The GSS Tactical Systems Audit
Global System Services Corporation (GSS) is a leading consulting firm
with practical experience and specialized expertise in a wide range
of IT infrastructure systems, including LAN and WAN technology, file
and print services infrastructure, Client/Server systems, and large-scale
distributed software infrastructures such as messaging and directory
services. GSS consistently helps customers improve service levels and
IT practices. The GSS Tactical Systems Audit helps customers ferret
out and correct hidden problems to improve overall reliability and control
risks associated with system failures and recovery times.
GSS represents broad technology expertise, practical understanding of
IT and business issues, and a winning track record of successful projects.
With GSS customers always know what they will receive, how much they
should invest, and how long it will take to achieve their goals. Customers
receive a GSS Tactical Systems Audit Findings and Recommendations
document that covers:
- Vulnerabilities
- Risk Analysis
- Recommendations
The GSS findings and recommendations document is a
roadmap to successfully navigate pitfalls and improve IT performance
and perception.
Experience Superior Value
With GSS customers always know what they will receive, how much they
should invest, and how long it will take to achieve their goals. Over
the years GSS has proven its value by helping customers successfully
meet the most demanding IT challenges. GSS has relationships with major
vendors that involve training and certification of GSS staff, but the
certification that GSS points out most frequently is customer loyalty.
GSS is successful because GSS customers are successful.
About GSS
Global System Services Corporation (GSS) is the leading
provider of consulting and professional services for large-scale and
distributed infrastructure systems such as email and messaging, directory
services, groupware, and wireless solutions. GSS customers include Fortune
500 companies, large services providers and telecom companies, government
agencies, major messaging product vendors, and innovative technology
startups.
GSS provides a complementary suite of services including
strategic technology consultation and competitive vendor and product
analysis, product and system architecture and design, system development
deployment, customization, and testing, technical support, email migration,
and other IT services. GSS has been directly responsible for some of
the largest global systems and solutions and counts as customers many
of the largest companies in the world.
From its offices in the Silicon Valley California, GSS delivers services and solutions to customers
worldwide through a network of mobile consultants and qualified GSS
Affiliates. With industry certified professionals on staff, GSS is a
Qualified
Lotus Business Partner, a Certified
Microsoft Solution Provider (MCSP), a Principal Partner in the Sun Partner Advantage program and a member of the Sun Software Partner Council, as well as a member of key industry organizations.