2NDSITE TECHNICAL REVIEW

To ensure we deliver a service that meets client objectives and expectations, CNC’s 2nd Site portfolio of services use enterprise class infrastructure and software from the beginning of the process to the end.

To ensure maximum uptime security and reliability, the backend infrastructure is housed at a dedicated Data Center (DC). This comprises of leading edge Dell Servers and Storage architecture housed within secure rack space supported by Sonicwall’s NSA series firewalls operating in a redundant failover configuration.

Using real time replication technology, the clients systems are imaged in real time across a WAN link to a Storage Repository held within the DC.

Replication is carried out at the Byte Level so all elements of the server including system state, configuration, files, data and applications are included. Both the replication process and the stored images themselves are encrypted for security purposes.

Failover is a semi automated process requiring manual initiation by CNC once a disaster has been confirmed by the client and verified by CNC.

In the event of a failure of the primary servers, CNC will remotely invoke the 2nd Site failover. When this occurs, the retained image of each of the servers being protected is ‘pushed’ onto a standby physical server located at the Data Center. The standby server will take over the functions of the primary servers in the event of a disaster.

The standby unit will run in a virtualised environment with a Virtual Machine (VM) assigned to each physical box under protection.

Using a Terminal Server/ Citrix architecture, the client can then access the backup server remotely via a web interface. Access is password protected and secure with all transactions carried out on the server.

A guaranteed level of bandwidth is delivered for replication of systems offsite and remote access to applications should a disaster occur. Bandwidth is fully burstable to ensure that the remote access user experience is acceptable should this be invoked.

Unlike many other DR solutions, the foundation of the CNC 2nd Site solution is REAL TIME REPLICATION of the server image. Unlike staggered snapshot technology this will provide a real time mirror of the servers being protected.

Due to the continuous nature of the technology the following metrics can be delivered to meet the client’s objectives for system recovery:

Therefore In a disaster scenario, CNC can guarantee to make available up to date mirrors of key systems under protection on a next working day basis.

Please note, to ensure these objectives are met sufficient upstream bandwidth is required at the customer site. CNC will use their expertise to determine whether this is achievable based on the clients data store, ongoing data changes and bandwidth available.