Re: Backup for on-call cover

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Date:         Mon, 18 Apr 2005 12:31:56 -0400
To: aix-l@Princeton.EDU

It varies a little from the places I've worked, but basically, the
primary responds to a page within certain time frame (between 5 and 30
minutes, depending on where I've worked), or gets a call directly to a
cell phone, which if a message is left then gets the 5-30 minute limit
set). Depending on the 'antsiness' of the person making the call, the
backup might be called rather quickly. The backup should have a
"working" knowledge of whatever might need to be supported -- not
necessarily in depth, but enough to start, stop, check config, and begin
troubleshooting.

The backup definitely has the same duties, so it can be nasty, too.

In my current position, though, we are paired off in responsibiltiy
according to server type (application). For example, I'm a primary for
two network security server sets ... my backup would cover if they can't
get me. No one else knows the systems. Likewise, I'm backup to someone
else's imaging servers ... likewise, no one else knows the servers.

I'm not necessarily thrilled with it, but there's no rotation ... and
to date, almost no after-hours calls ... so I can't complain too much.
My prior position had me pulling 60 hour weeks ... on a 6-person on-call
rotation, this was 60 hours every week (some weeks up to 80) and every
other weekend (not very well managed nor staffed). Even though it's
much more disorganized, I much prefer my current position.

>>> Simon.Green@EU.ALTRIA.COM 04/18/05 12:08 PM >>>

Same question for Bruce and Jason:

What are the responsibilities of the backup person?
Our on-call person has to be able to respond to a 'phone message within
30 minutes and logon to our system within another 30 minutes. If the
backup has similar responsibilities it's almost as onerous a duty as
being on-call in the first place.
(For me, it's not the calls I don't like, it's being unable to go away
for the weekend, or go somewhere out of 'phone contact.)

--
Simon Green
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-----Original Message-----
From: IBM AIX Discussion List [mailto:aix-l@Princeton.EDU] On Behalf Of
BRUCE HARVEY
Sent: 18 April 2005 16:39
To: aix-l@Princeton.EDU
Subject:
We have a backup assigned who takes over when the other gets run over.

• Previous message: Holger.VanKoll_at_SWISSCOM.COM: "Re: Quick NIM question"
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