Do not side-step business continuity

Neil Stephenson talks up business continuity planning and disaster recovery opportunities

Business continuity to ensure business survival is not a new concept for organisations. But I believe that a substantial number still view development of continuity plans as a desirable rather than essential service.

It is, however, vital to protect operational efficiency. Too many businesses take this for granted and, as a result, side-step the issue. During strikes, for example, the transport system may grind to a halt leaving commuters unable to get into work.

Businesses cannot afford to suffer a reduction of customer service or revenue, especially in tough economic times. Businesses need contingency plans enabling staff to work from an alternate location in such circumstances.

Superfast broadband, media tablets and mobile phones may make actual location less of an issue. Taking steps to enable remote access makes a lot of business sense.

Many organisations assume it won't happen to them. But while natural disasters may happen infrequently, IT failure, power loss or strike action are more common. Dealing with it is not as complex or costly as customers may believe.

Next year the Olympics may seriously disrupt public services. It is therefore vital, in my opinion, that customers hailing from all industries are fully prepared to deal with any possible effects on operations, productivity and the bottom line.

Neil Stephenson is chief executive officer of Onyx Group