The Pennsylvania State University - Administrative Information Services, a unit of Information Technology Services

Business Continuity

Business Continuity is the ability to maintain critical University services and functions during or after an event that causes an unplanned outage or disruption—an event that is beyond the ability of an organization’s staff and management to control. It is a process used to restore operations, including information systems, networks, hardware, software and people—not just data.

Administrative Information Services (AIS) can help you create an individualized Business Continuity Plan to keep your organization operational. This plan will provide guidance during both natural and man-made disasters, allowing unit functions to be restored quickly and with minimal impact.  For further details, please view the brochure below.

Business Continuity Brochure

File Size: 556.02 KB

Last Updated: 7/14/2008

Planning Services

Consultant Services
The Business Continuity Consultant is available to assist units in understanding the process of Business Continuity Planning and aid units in determining which AIS service(s) will be most appropriate for their needs. The Business Continuity Consulant is a resource on best practices and is a conduit between Emergency Management and EHS at the University.

Living Disaster Recovery Planning System Software Tool (LDRPS)
This Web-based tool assists units in documenting a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan, including critical functions, resources, and dependencies; it also includes the ability to attach documentation. There is no cost for accessing or using the tool.

Business Impact Analysis Software Tool (BIA)
This Web-based tool assists units in conducting a survey to determine the probability and impact of various risks and assists in identifying and prioritizing critical functions. There is no cost for using this tool.

Recovery Planning Guide

File Size: 300.67 KB

Last Updated: 8/24/2007

Recovery Planning Process Flow Chart

File Size: 37.13 KB

Last Updated: 9/21/2007

Recovery Strategy Services

Off-Site Data Storage
 AIS will transport weekly backups of administrative data from the University Park campus to a secure offsite storage location. Units utilizing this service are responsible for providing storage media and approved containers for transportation.

Local Server Recovery Center
AIS maintains a number of Intel®-based servers for use during localized events in a secure University Park location. Units may utilize these servers to restore critical services during an outage.

Help & Support

Associated Information

Content Questions: Jason Morris | Support Questions: AIS Business Continuity Services