DR/BC

In troubled times

MphasiS believes that staying up-to-date helps them recover from disasters

At MphasiS, DR (disaster recovery) is used to protect all critical applications. These include applications such as ERP, messaging and directory services, file servers, critical business applications, Verint, Blue Pumpkin, VSS servers, SharePoint Portal Servers and critical financial servers.

MphasiS uses a 45 Mbps IPLC for its call centre operations to ensure high performance. There is a centralised set-up for DR management. “We implement solutions and DR functions for all critical applications. These are controlled and managed by the team which monitors and performs assessments on a regular basis,” says Michael Martin, Associate Vice-president, Technologies, MphasiS.

Replication is done right from the development site to the core site, and then from core site to offsite on a daily basis using IP SANs (Intransa IP 5000) for replication. This is done across MphasiS’ seven sites—four in Bangalore, and one each in Mangalore, Pune and Mumbai—while one more site is being set up in China. “All the data is being replicated first from the development centres and thereon to the core centres,” says Martin.

MphasiS is able to switch over the data within 30 minutes from one site to another.

Regular Testing

The organisation has a common core team for DR and BC. This team works from MphasiS’ global network operating centre. Weekly visits are performed on each site, and tests are conducted on backup efficiency (random and monthly checks).

Ten dry runs are conducted every month by migrating data from one centre to another. Once the migration is done, operations are performed from there. This is done once a month for all the sites that MphasiS operates in India. “We use SAN management, and reports are being sent on a regular basis to the management,” says Martin.

Training sessions are held on a quarterly basis where sessions are undertaken for the Global Network Operation Centres. Operation teams are trained in the management of core infrastructure. A half-yearly assessment is also done with the stakeholders.

Reports are sent monthly. “Documented DR policies involve compliance, business excellence, information security and technology,” adds Martin.

Fully Prepared

“Risks can come from anywhere,” Martin points out. “For all the products, there is 100 percent redundancy with no single point of failure. Even if you pull out a network cable there will be 100 percent redundancy.”

Come Rain or Shine

Being able to recover from any disaster that has ever struck them has ensured that MphasiS always stays ahead in the race even during the worst. “Whenever disaster strikes, recovery starts within 30 minutes,” declares Martin.

During 26/7, MphasiS switched over from its centre in Mumbai within 30 minutes and began operating from Pune. Operations continued even during the heaviest rains that Mumbai has ever seen.