01 · Starting point
Situation
Active Directory and file servers needed a reliable backup strategy with monitored jobs and a traceable recovery path for emergencies.
Constraints
- Changes within an already established IT environment
- Short, clearly scoped engagement
- Internal system and operating details remain confidential
02 · Responsibility
My scope of responsibility
I planned and configured Backup Exec, defined backup workflows, monitored their success and prepared disaster recovery and administrator training.
- I defined and monitored regular backup jobs.
03 · Technical work
Documented scope of work
Key decisions
Treat backup success and recoverability as two quality attributes to be checked separately. A successfully completed backup does not yet prove that data and systems can be restored quickly and completely in an emergency.
- I planned and configured the backup of Active Directory and file servers with Backup Exec.
- I implemented disaster recovery workflows and trained the administrators.
04 · Technical context
Technology in use
Backup Exec
Backup Exec was part of the documented toolset in this Security & Recovery engagement.
Active Directory
Active Directory was part of the documented toolset in this Security & Recovery engagement.
File Server
File Server was part of the documented toolset in this Security & Recovery engagement.
Disaster Recovery
Disaster Recovery was part of the documented toolset in this Security & Recovery engagement.
05 · Factual basis
Evidence and limits
The core systems gained a documented backup and recovery process.
- Role
- Backup Consultant
- Period
- March 2009 — April 2009
Lesson from the engagement
The value of a backup only shows in a clear, understood and practically usable recovery path.
Confidentiality note: Internal architecture and operating data of this engagement are not published.