The committee used the following definitions in referring to the type of services provided. Data backup refers to the process of copying system and data files to an external media for the purpose of recovering the server in the case of a serious system problem. An additional benefit of having this backup is the availability of the data files for recovery in the event of an inadvertent deletion by the file owner. Therefore, data files that have been corrupted or deleted, will be available for recovery for up to 30 days after the deletion or corruption. Archiving refers to the long-term storage of unchanging data that must be retained for historic or business integrity purposes. "Safety net" storage is defined as files stored off line for the purpose of providing long-term backup for applications or data critical to departmental operations.

The recommendation states that departments will be responsible for archiving and providing "safety net" backups for data critical to their operations. Backups of data and applications, currently stored on servers supported by Management Information, will be provided by Management Information.

To assist departments with archiving and "safety net" backups, procedures will be implemented to ensure that equipment and trained departmental staff are available to provide this service. Following is a proposal outlining the responsibilities and services available to protect departmental data.

Responsibility for Data
Individual departments are responsible for the ownership and maintenance of non-centrally supported departmental applications and data. The Department Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining detailed information and procedures concerning the safeguarding of critical data and applications for their departments. The type of information required should include:

Data or Application

• Description
• Owners (persons responsible for application upgrades, data access, backup and recovery)
• Application and subdirectory location (PC or server)
• Backup media type and location
• Onsite backup interval
• Offsite backup interval
• Backup and recovery procedure and instructions

Distributed Computing Support
All SSTA desktops now have CD-R capability (a.k.a.: record or write or burn) provided. Student Services Technology & Assessment staff will be available to assist with hardware or configuration problems and will assist with questions concerning the use of the backup process.

Backup Procedures
Data will be backed-up by the Department Coordinator or designee on a predetermined interval. The onsite copy of data or applications will be stored by the coordinator. A second copy of critical data or applications will be created by the coordinator and transferred offsite by Student Services Technology & Assessment for storage in the Business Continuation bin.