bds software-system hosting

BDS maintains two independent and totally redundant data sites located 27 miles apart for redundancy live disaster recovery. This redundant architecture provides fail-safe performance should a client’s application or database become unavailable due to communication or hardware issues.

Each site maintains a full complement of application, database, and email servers that provide duplicate capacity. Server file structures are “clustered” to maintain real-time duplication of inbound and outbound data files, update scripts, and any other system support files. Database servers at each site use Microsoft® SQL Server technology and are synchronized in real-time providing a virtual database for our clients.

A dedicated T-1 Line provided by SBC ensures high-capacity, real-time communications between The Woodlands and CyrusOne site. For frame relay customers, access to both data centers is provided via dual frame ports for optimum communications and system redundancy.

At the client’s option, its hosted databases, module applications, and raw data files are replicated real-time at an alternate location to provide additional insurance against downtime due to primary data center disaster or unavailability. This secondary system, run as a “hot-site”, can be brought online within hours. The CyrusOne site is a fully staffed “co-location” site that provides full back-up capabilities with consistent power supplied by backup comprised of battery systems and diesel generators.

An SBC supplied dual-circuit line provides client connections to both The Woodlands and CyrusOne data centers. BDS works with individual clients to implement custom network-to-network security configurations to meet the clients’ requirements.

For all its clients, BDS recommends the development of a plan, customized to each client and its interfaces, to recover from unavailability of one of BDS’ data centers. The BDS Disaster Recovery Plan, developed over a two-week period, provides:

Documentation of system interfaces
Definition of alternate IP address schema
Alternate ftp setup for file transfer recovery
Definition of personnel involved in the recovery and contact information
Step-by-step recovery process
Step-by-step drill process

BDS will work with its hosted client to develop the Disaster Recovery Plan, then plan and execute a drill to test the effectiveness of the plan. A copy of the boilerplate plan can be provided to the prospective client.