Cleveland’s IT Infrastructure, Backup and Recovery Strategies Falls Short

By Ron Calhoun

The City of Cleveland’s efforts to establish a resilient information technolgy (IT) infrastructure, as promised by Mayor Justin Bibb during his campaign bid, have faced scrutiny. Shortcomings in utilizing American Rescue Plan Act – or ARPA – infrastructure funds and addressing an outdated system have come to the surface. The recent spotlight on the City’s technological infrastructure has sparked discussions about essential practices for ensuring data protection and business continuity.

One crucial aspect highlighted by experts is the need for comprehensive planning and design. A team of professionals with a deep understanding of business requirements is essential to creating a scalable infrastructure that can adapt to the City’s evolving needs. This includes considerations of network topology, hardware requirements, and data storage to build a solid foundation for future growth.

Security remains paramount in any IT infrastructure strategy. Prioritizing cybersecurity measures, including encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems are crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and infrastructure against cyber threats.

Additionally, collaboration and partnerships with public and private sector organizations play a vital role in leveraging resources and expertise for IT infrastructure projects. By engaging in knowledge-sharing and best practices exchange, Cleveland can drive innovation and continuous improvement in its technological initiatives.

However, recent events have exposed vulnerabilities in Cleveland’s backup and recovery strategy, raising questions about its effectiveness. Infrastructure experts stress the importance of a comprehensive backup and recovery approach, including thorough assessments of data assets, redundancy measures, and regular testing of recovery procedures.

A resilient backup and recovery strategy should prioritize redundancy and geographic diversity to mitigate the risk of data loss and downtime during disasters or emergencies. Encryption of backup data and regular testing of recovery procedures are essential for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the strategy.

Incorporating disaster recovery plans and ensuring compliance with industry regulations are also crucial aspects of a robust IT infrastructure strategy. By adhering to these guidelines and continuously improving their approach, Cleveland could have built a resilient IT infrastructure that supports economic growth and enhances the quality of life for its residents by now.

The Cleveland Clinic could have been a valuable resource in accomplishing a vigorous IT infrastructure strategy. The two-year, $170 million Cleveland Clinic Data Center project was completed in 2014. This confirms that a brand new system for the City of Cleveland was and is not unreachable for the Bibb administration.

Ron Calhoun is the publisher for The Cleveland Observer. He is also a retired IT professional with 15 years of experience. He emphasizes the importance of effective backup and recovery strategies in minimizing data loss and operational disruptions.