BCP tests

Full Interruption Test -   
In a full interruption test, operations are shut down at the primary site and
shifted to the recovery site in accordance with the disaster recovery plan.
This is clearly a very thorough test, but one which is also expensive and has the
capacity to cause a major disruption of operations if the test fails.

Parallel Test - 
A parallel test involves bringing the recovery site to a state of operational
readiness, but maintaining operations at the primary site. Thus staff are
relocated, backup tapes transferred, and operational readiness established in
accordance with the disaster recovery plan while operations at the primary site
continue normally.

Structured Walk-Through Test -  
In disaster recovery planning, a type of test in which the disaster recovery team
role-play a disaster scenario prepared by a test moderator. The disaster recovery
plan is referred to for information during the test.

Simulation Test - 
Method of testing disaster recovery plans. The simulation test is similar to a
Structured Walk-Through Test. The disaster recovery team role-play a disaster
scenario prepared by a test moderator. The disaster recovery plan is referred to
for information during the test. The responses of the team may be measured, and
some of the response measures suggested by the team may be put into action.
The scope of a simulation test must be carefully defined to avoid excessive
disruption of normal business activities.

Checklist Test -
In a checklist test disaster recovery checklists are distributed to all members of
a disaster recovery team. The members are asked to review the checklist. This both
ensures that the checklist is still current, and that the assigned members of
disaster recovery teams are still working for the company!