A giggle for the IT folks...

OK, so the setup here is strange to say the least. 3 of our servers back up onto DVD, not that unusual. However, the server cabinets are locked, and the cabinets themselves are in a 'secure area' (big heavy metal doors with impressive locks).

In order to do the backups, we have to get the keys for the lockup, and the specific cabinet from a company director, sign for them, do the backups, then sign that we've given them back. Yadda yadda.

The backups happen on an automated basis, so the only thing we need to do is shove the discs in. If a backup fails, its lost. End of story, no second chances. The system is configured to attempt it 3 times in a row, then destroy the backup if it can't do it.

Today, all the directors are in a conference call with god knows who, and we can't get access to the keys (no-one else has keeps for the key locker).

Choices:
1) Break into the key locker & get sacked.
2) Disturb the conference call, and risk being sacked.
3) Sod the backups, and risk being saked.

My boss just asked me to go do the backups, to which, I told him where to shove that idea and that if he liked, he could post my P45 to me. He's now sitting there nervously twitching

Just thought I'd share

Why don't they trust you with the keys?

Don't ask me. It's only recently they've bothered. I can see the point to the secure lockup, as it's got the safe in it. But saying that, you'd need an armoured bank truck to carry the thing, and it's a tripple lock (digital/combination/key).

The safe only holds documents. Our company handles sensative information quite regularly, a hard disk that's not disposed of properly could be seriously damaging (and I'm not meaning with regards to the environment), so perhaps that's the reason for the new policy. Still seems fricken stupid to me though. They trust us with the live data (that we have the ability to copy to anywhere) but not the physical machines.

Ah, the beauty of having someone to pass responsibility up to.