Hello, fellow listers:

Currently we have a 948 that is only used during the day shift,
usually from 8 AM to 5 PM.  This affords us a large nightly batch
window and backups, etc. are not a problem.  However, we will soon
(by the end of 1997) be going to a 24 x 7 usage (we are installing
terminals and barcoding equipment on the shop floor, as well as
integrating a remote location in Texas into our system).  Since we
run 3 shifts a day, usually 6 days a week, the system will have to
be available 24 x 7 (or at least 6).

So, I am soliciting suggestions from the esteemed readership of this
list for the following (and anything else I may have overlooked):

1)  On-line backup solutions:  What works, what doesn't, any gotcha's.

2)  Image logging:  We currently use it and start a new logging
cycle every night after the backup.  How does it fit in with #1?

3)  Lights out/Door locked/No operators:  We only have two people
in our IS department and no operators.  Any good solutions for
remote notification of system problems?

4)  Hot Site Backup:  There might be an opportunity to install a
duplicate system in the Texas facility.  Are there any high
availability solutions out there that will mirror the system in
Ohio on the system in Texas in real-time and provide automatic
switch-over of users to one system in the event of a failure on
the other?

There.  That's not too much to ask for, is it?  Oh, and by the way,
I supposed to have a plan in place by the 1st of the year!  Thanks
in advance for any and all help.

Jim Phillips                            Manager of Information Systems
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]      Therm-O-Link, Inc.
Phone: (330) 527-2124                   P. O. Box 285
  Fax: (330) 527-2123                   Garrettsville, Ohio  44231