FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT $1[100$ MARKS$]$

Read the case study below and answer ALL the questions that follow

Disaster Recovery Planning In South African Finance During Load Shedding

Global Finance, a multinational financial services institution headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, faces unique

challenges in ensuring business continuity due to disaster threats and the prevalence of load shedding $($managed

blackouts$).$ These planned power outages, lasting up to two hours at a time and occurring multiple times a day in some

areas, disrupt critical IT operations and threaten financial transactions.

Global Finance currently relies on a dedicated Disaster Recovery Site $($DRS$)$ located outside of Cape Town. This DRS

serves as a backup facility housing essential IT infrastructure and applications. During a primary site outage, operations can

be switched to the DRS$,$ minimizing downtime and ensuring service continuity for customers.

Global Finance's current disaster recovery strategy, which relies on a dedicated Disaster Recovery Site $($DRS$),$ faces

complexities due to the prevalence of load shedding in South Africa. Both the primary site and the DRS utilise diesel

generators as a backup power source during outages. This dependence on diesel significantly increases operational costs

compared to grid electricity. Maintaining adequate fuel reserves during extended load shedding periods can be challenging,

potentially leading to generator outages if fuel supplies run low. Additionally, mechanical failures or environmental factors

can impact generator performance, jeopardising disaster recovery efforts.

Beyond the immediate challenges of load shedding, Global Finance needs to address other factors for a robust disaster

recovery strategy. Ensuring robust data security measures are in place at both the primary site and DRS is crucial to protect

sensitive financial information from cyberattacks that might be more prevalent during disasters. A clear communication plan

is essential to keep employees, clients, and other stakeholders informed during a disaster and ensure a coordinated

response. Disaster recovery plans also need to be designed to adhere to relevant South African financial regulations for

data security and business continuity.

Global Finance is actively exploring ways to enhance its disaster recovery strategy in the context of South Africa's unique

challenges. One potential solution involves investigating the feasibility of a cloud$-$based disaster recovery solution that

offers geographically dispersed data centers and potentially reduces reliance on diesel generators. Additionally, they are

evaluating the cost$-$effectiveness of alternative backup power solutions like solar panels or battery storage systems to

minimize dependence on diesel fuel. Furthermore, developing strategies to secure reliable fuel suppliers, establish

adequate fuel reserves, and implement efficient fuel delivery processes can minimize downtime risks associated with the

current reliance on diesel generators. By proactively addressing these challenges and considering these additional factors,

Global Finance can ensure a more resilient disaster recovery strategy that minimizes business disruption and safeguards

critical financial services for their customers.

QUESTION $1(25$ Marks$)$

Global Finance currently relies on diesel generators at both the primary site and the Disaster Recovery Site $($DRS$)$ during

load shedding events. Critically evaluate the reliability of diesel generators as a backup power solution for disaster recovery,

considering potential technical issues and logistical challenges associated with fuel management.

QUESTION $2(25$ Marks$)$

Conduct a cost$-$benefit analysis comparing the use of diesel generators with alternative backup power solutions for the

Disaster Recovery Site $($DRS$)$ during load shedding events. Consider factors like initial investment, ongoing maintanance

costs, fuel expenses and potential downtime.

QUESTION $3(25$ Marks$)$

Critique the potential weaknesses in Global Finance's current Disaster Recovery Plan $($DRP$)$ considering the specific

threats faced in South Africa. Propose improvements to strengthen the DRP$\text{'}$s effectiveness.

QUESTION $4(25$ Marks$)$

Global Finance is considering implementing a cloud$-$based disaster recovery soultion. Evaluate the potential benefits and

drawbacks of such a solution, considering the context of South Africa's internet infrastrucrure and load shedding