Failover procedures that work the first time.
Documented failover procedures for cloud, secondary site, and manual fallback scenarios. Every step sequenced correctly, tested against your RTO targets, and kept current as your infrastructure changes.
58%
of untested failover procedures fail when executed for the first time
3 types
of failover covered: cloud, secondary site, and manual fallback
Annual
testing cycle with documented test reports for auditors and insurers
RTO-aligned
procedures designed and tested against your agreed recovery targets
Failover procedure capabilities.
Cloud Failover Procedures
Step-by-step procedures for failing over to cloud infrastructure. Azure Site Recovery, AWS failover, and cloud-native DR configurations documented and tested before you need them.
Secondary Site Failover
Procedures for failing over to a secondary physical or co-location site. Network reconfiguration, DNS updates, and application startup sequences documented in the correct order.
Manual Fallback Procedures
When technology fails, manual processes keep the business running. Paper-based fallback procedures for critical functions so operations continue even during a complete IT outage.
DNS and Network Cutover
DNS failover, IP address changes, and network reconfiguration steps documented precisely. Incorrect sequencing during a failover is a common cause of extended outages.
Application Startup Sequencing
Applications must be started in the correct order after a failover. Dependencies mapped and startup sequences documented so recovery is systematic rather than trial and error.
Failback Procedures
Returning to primary infrastructure after a failover is as important as the failover itself. Failback procedures documented and tested to avoid data loss or corruption during the return.
From scenario identification to tested procedures.
Failover Scenario Identification
Every realistic failover scenario identified for each critical system. Primary site loss, individual server failure, ransomware, and cloud provider outage all considered.
Procedure Drafting
Step-by-step failover procedures written for each scenario. Drafted with your technical team and reviewed for accuracy before testing.
Dependency and Sequence Mapping
System dependencies mapped and startup sequences defined. The order in which systems are recovered is as important as the recovery procedures themselves.
Tabletop Exercise
Failover procedures walked through in a tabletop exercise with your team. Gaps and ambiguities identified before a live test. Procedures updated based on findings.
Live Failover Test
Procedures tested in a live environment where possible. Actual failover times measured against RTO targets. Test report produced with findings and remediation actions.
Annual Review and Update
Failover procedures reviewed annually and after any significant infrastructure change. Procedures that have not been tested recently are flagged for re-validation.
Failover procedures delivered across the UK.
Challenge: A Cambridge SaaS company had cloud failover configured but no documented procedures. During a simulated failover test, the process took six hours instead of the target 30 minutes due to undocumented steps.
Outcome: Complete failover procedures documented and tested. Subsequent test achieved 28-minute failover. RTO target met and evidence provided to enterprise clients.
Challenge: A Bristol retailer needed documented failover procedures for their EPOS and stock management systems to satisfy their cyber insurance policy requirements.
Outcome: Failover procedures produced for all critical retail systems. Manual fallback procedures included for complete IT outage scenarios. Insurance requirement satisfied.
Challenge: A Glasgow professional services firm had a secondary site but no documented procedure for failing over to it. Staff did not know the process and the site had never been tested.
Outcome: Secondary site failover procedures documented and tested. Staff trained on their roles. Failover completed in under two hours during the test, against a four-hour RTO target.
Failover procedures documented, tested, and ready to execute.
We document every failover scenario, test procedures against your RTO targets, and produce audit-ready evidence for ISO 27001, cyber insurance, and enterprise due diligence. Free scoping call, no obligation.