It is important to note the distinction between business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning:

• Business continuity planning
• Planning how the business will carry on business functions until its normal facilities are restored after a disruptive event. This includes physical facilities (building, office furniture, etc), office supplies, reference materials, and procedures to follow until access to information technology is restored.
• Disaster recovery planning
  • Is planning for the restoration of information technology services after an event has disrupted those services.
• Disaster recovery planning should be supportive of and subordinate to business continuity planning.

The Information Technology Services Divisions is currently participating in the business continuity planning being conducted agency wide within DAS. Each division within DAS is currently gathering information that will help build a continuity of operations plan to ensure essential DAS services can be provided after a disruptive event. The elements of a continuity of operations plan include;

• Plans and procedures
• Mission essential functions
• Delegations of authority
• Orders of succession
• Alternate facilities
• Interoperable communications
• Vital records and data bases
• Logistics and administration
• Personnel issues and coordination
• Security
• Testing, training, and exercises
• Program management

Discussions are currently underway with other agencies to examine the possibility of providing shared services in the area of business continuity and/or disaster recovery.