Information Technology Services

Appropriate managment of information resources requires that departments and units collaborate with campus emergency planning and recovery efforts to ensure availability and integrity of those information resources identified as critical for the functioning of the campus, department, or unit. An assessment of the most probable risks, hazards, and losses that may occur at a particular location determines the scope of continuity planning activities.

Continuity planning requires that impact analyses be conducted to identify the effect of potential resource loss in the event of an emergency or disaster. Planning should also consider the impact of pandemic events that would reduce the availability of human resources or that mandate facility closures. The analysis should set forth a framework to enable decision making throughout the emergency, and offer a roadmap for response and recovery.

Business and Finance Bulletin IS-12, Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery identifies recommended planning and response strategies for University of California electronic information resources.  IS-12 addresses basic continuting planning phases, including

• mitigation: the identification of steps that can be taken to reduce the potential for risks, hazards or losses;
• preparedness: planning should include issues, such as identification of emergency authorities, communication plans, deployment of personnel, identification of remote worksites, deployment procedures to relocate or replicate resources or facilities, and measures to protect vital records or essential data;
• response:  identification of priorities and activities that address the immediate and short-term effects of the emergency; and
• recovery: steps to achieve the timely resumption of systems and services.