Full Sail Partners Blog

Question: 

Is your database being properly backed-up, tested, and verified? 

Answer:             

Common mistakes include:

• A back-up is conducted, but the back-up wasn't tested and verified. Meaning it wasn't restored to verify the integrity of the database. Don't assume it will work just because there is a file!

• A separate archive is not conducted on the following files linked to Vision: custom reports, images, and invoice templates. The data is only part of the back-up. 

Lesson Learned:       

Full Sail Partners has had dozens of clients that have come to us over the years thinking their data was properly backed-up yet to find the last good back-up did not include up-to-date data. Can your business afford this mistake? What would you do if you had no back-up at all due to corruption or failed standard operating procedure (SOP)? 

Questions:          

Do you have the latest Vision updates of your software version, service pack, and/or hotfixes?

Can your hardware support the latest version of Vision?

Answer:               

The current version is Vision 6.2 Service Pack 1 with Vision 7.0 set for general release in 3rd Quarter. The impact on your business includes:  

• For firms running payroll, improper tax filings or withholdings can result when the latest tax information update is not applied.

• Newer versions resolve known issues. Lack of updates can result in inefficiency and unnecessary errors.

• New releases from Microsoft and other technology platforms can result in incompatibility. Software is an evolution and requires a dedicated resource.

• Aging hardware may not support future versions of Vision. For the current hardware document requirements click here. 

Lesson Learned:              

Lack of infrastructure investment can result in increased future expenses. New features like download enhancements and grid view capabilities improve efficiency for your staff. Your enhancement requests are being addressed with each hotfix and new release. Being on the most current version provides your staff the ability to take advantage of these new features. In Deltek Vision 7.0, some of the new enhancements include: contract management, simplified security updates, custom info centers, and much more. 

Questions:   

Do you have a disaster recovery plan that includes off-site back-up? 

Answer:                   

In the event of a natural disaster or loss of your Vision server, it is important to be able to access your data at a remote location. Some potential scenarios to think about:

• Make sure your back-up is not on the same server as the Vision server. A server failure can result in loss of your current system and back-up data.

• Ensure that you have a back-up that is taken to a location outside of your building. If a disaster occurs at your current location, then again your current system and back-up is lost.

Lesson Learned:       

The best scenario is to have a back-up that is outside of your current city. Additionally, think about how you will restore the data should you lose your server to maintain business continuity and how long will it take you to restore.