With both the browser-based approach described above and Citrix's ICA solution, the emergency team can arrive anywhere in the world and rapidly set up a consistent, predictable computing environment. An added benefit here is built-in remote management. Support personnel attached to the network can view an active session from anywhere in the world. Where Internet and dial-up are unavailable, workgroup servers can be deployed. Unfortunately, the technological 'dark side' threatens emergency operations.
Thorough planning is required to prevent security breeches and other failings.
The risk of telecommunications failure in the field is statistically quite high. This one factor foils more recovery exercises than any other. As recovery or incident response teams are drawn up, an expert in the areas of telecommunications and telephony should be included in each team. When moving equipment, such as in an incident response exercise, an ever present, if inconspicuous, threat is equipment theft. In this frightening scenario, not only is the exercise aborted, but also the serendipitous thief has purloined the electronic versions of operations manuals, call lists and canned press statements.