Hanford Data Centers Pass Dual Disaster Drill

RICHLAND, Wash. – Disaster recovery testing teams recently conducted a behind-the-scenes emergency drill at the Hanford Site, assessing capabilities while also upgrading data storage and improving system performance during a weekend service outage.

Teams from EM Richland Operations Office contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) and its subcontractor North Wind Solutions deactivated Hanford’s two data centers to make updates and test disaster recovery capabilities and planning. Usually information management staff members deactivate only one data center during a disaster recovery exercise, but this test proved the Hanford systems and processes could handle a potential catastrophe at either center without the loss of data.

“Our proactive approach to information management prioritizes the need to plan ahead and prepare for the possibility of a disaster, including effects on data,” said Mike Eddy, EM information management chief information officer. “We regularly conduct system checkups, and this exercise stepped up the scale to a potential total loss of power or destruction of either data center.”

Information technology specialists prepared for months leading up to the exercise, swapping out physical equipment and readying the system for the upgrade. During the actual disaster scenario, most participants worked remotely to run emergency sequences while also improving data reliability.

“I am very proud of our team for the successful modernization of our Hanford data storage systems, which will also improve performance for our users at Hanford,” said Todd Eckman, vice president of information management services for HMIS. “Thanks to rigorous planning, the corresponding disaster recovery and continuity of operations exercise exceeded expectations.”