2025 01 25 10 41 26

Summary

The meeting discusses a scheduled infrastructure test, where internet traffic will be redirected between data centers. This is a two-part test, with the first phase focusing on switching the internet connection and performing health checks, and the second phase in October-November expanding to include application failovers. The team is coordinating with various vendors, ensuring tasks are completed on time, and verifying network redirection. The test aims to ensure that failover procedures run smoothly, with an emphasis on minimizing downtime and validating network and application health.

Takeaways

• 😀 The test is scheduled to happen twice a year, with a focus on infrastructure in the first test and applications in the second one (October/November).
• 😀 The current test involves internet failover between data centers (Tarine to West Melbourne) and health checks, while future tests will include application failover.
• 😀 DXC requested additional testing for environments like DHCP, NetIQ, and VCenter, expanding the scope of the current test.
• 😀 The estimated timeline for the entire test process is around 10:30-11:00 a.m. on Sunday, but early completion is possible.
• 😀 Health checks for various systems (internet, firewalls, etc.) will take around 40-45 minutes, based on previous tests.
• 😀 The network team is responsible for switching internet connections between data centers, with a focus on ensuring smooth transition and minimal downtime.
• 😀 Health checks will begin at 7:00 a.m. and run for about an hour, with teams updating their status and timing in real-time via task management tools.
• 😀 The primary challenge in the test is accurately coordinating between teams and ensuring all steps are followed, particularly with the new environments requested by DXC.
• 😀 A runbook from 2024 is being referenced, but there are discrepancies and missing information, such as the lack of a 'Cy tab' for certain procedures.
• 😀 A revised version of the runbook will be shared with updated steps and roles, and the teams are encouraged to verify and adapt these details during the call.

Q & A

How frequently will this test exercise be conducted?

The exercise is contracted to be performed twice a year.

What is the primary goal of the current test?

The primary goal is to switch over the internet for WorkSafe from one data center to another, specifically from Tarine to West Melbourne.

What is planned for October or November this year?

In October or November, a more comprehensive test will be conducted, which will include failing over not only the internet but also the applications from one data center to another.

What is the nature of the current test?

The current test is a smaller, limited exercise aimed at understanding the process without impacting the applications. The full test, involving application failover, will be conducted later in the year.

Which environments were added to the test based on DXC's request?

DXC requested the inclusion of four additional environments in the test, including DHCP, Tech and WorkSafe NetIQ, and VCenter in the alternate site.

What is the estimated time frame for the completion of the test?

The goal is to finish the test by Sunday morning around 10:30-11 a.m., although the team hopes it will be completed earlier if everything goes smoothly.

What happens on the Friday before the test?

On the Friday before the test, the network team will communicate with vendors to ensure there are no scheduled outages and will confirm the traffic routing to Tarine.

What time is the test scheduled to begin, and what is the first step?

The test is scheduled to begin around 7:00 a.m. with the network team performing preparations to switch the internet. The process will start with a 1-hour window allocated for this task.

How long did the health checks take during the previous test?

In the previous test, the health checks for most teams took around 40 to 45 minutes, but this year, the plan allows an hour for each health check.

What is the planned duration for the internet switch?

The internet switch between the two data centers is expected to take around 45 minutes.