Business
Continuity
Planning
(BCP).

Is concerned with the whole organization and all of its' critical processes needed to keep functioning. It means developing and documenting policies, procedures and activities required to resume essential business operations immediately following the disaster.

If you aren't convinced that you need a BCP, then consider the statistic that on average 40% of businesses that don't have a BCP fail after a disaster. There is no reason this needs to happen to your organization when disaster strikes.

Many organizations have the flawed perception that BCP is just an IT function. In truth, your users, customers and suppliers that all rely on your organization are not interested in who is responsible. Their interest lies in being able to have seamless, uninterrupted access. Therefore when business continuity is effective, this availability occurs "under the covers", providing the best service levels to all of the above stakeholders.

Here are two pointers to help you get started with your planning.

One-
List The Possible Sources Of Business Interruption, (For Example)
Natural
- Earthquake
- Flood
Civil
- Riot
- Government Body Action
Man-Made
- Computer Based Virus
- Work Place Violence
- Loss Of Essential Staff Member Or Executive Team
- Corporate Database Corruption

Two-
Determine Essential Business Functions, (For Example)
- What business activities and functions are essential for your organization?
- Who performs these activities and functions?
- Are there written protocols and procedures for these activities and functions?

Volume: April 2005
The disclaimer…
These articles are intended as starting points and do not thoroughly cover the topic.
For further help, information, requests, questions or comments, please contact me at…

Regc@QEDSoftwareSolutions.com
(604)501.1474