In every company there are decision-makers and decision-influencers. Often it is the decision-influencers who see the need for the service/solution and who work to convince the decision-makers to agree and sign the contract.
So, how does this apply when making decisions about your disaster recovery and business continuity plans? What is the normal process for your organization when making decisions that will have a large impact on the longevity and success of your company?
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Aug 11
2010
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As anyone who monitors news sources knows, British Petroleum (BP) has taken a beating in the media since the April 20th explosion that led to eleven deaths and hundreds of millions of gallons of oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico. While the latest effort to cap the well appears effective, the perception associated with BP's reactive "by the seat of our pants" response effort failed to restore feelings of goodwill and faith, which will most likely lead to a continuation of boycotts, lawsuits and market-share loss.
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Jul 20
2010
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Like any niche business, this one of Disaster Recovery Planning and Business Continuity Planning has its own jargon and terminology. Often for people new to thinking about and considering how their company can be best protected in the event of a disaster, this jargon becomes overwhelming.
So to help clear the air and keep things simple, lets review some of the key terms of our industry – hopefully making it easier for you to discuss Disaster Recovery Planning and Business Continuity Planning with your colleagues.
The Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a horrible natural disaster that the area might never recover from… This much is known. So many people have asked why we haven’t written anything on our blog about it and why we aren’t using it when it comes to business interruption scenarios. The answer is simple, it is such a massive incident that most people can’t wrap their heads around it and would simply say “we aren’t a petroleum company, so it doesn’t apply”. While that is true, I was reading an article today on the fact that BP share prices have dropped for the second day in a row. Half way down this article, there is a perfect Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery piece that ties back to handling the media that has been written about here and here. Read the following and see how it all ties together:
On the corporate front, BP shareholders would prefer to sacrifice the company’s Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg rather than CEO Hayward over the ongoing crisis, the Times of London reported in its Wednesday edition.
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May 23
2010
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Do you want to tell your stakeholders that your backup plan is to shoot golf balls, shredded tires, knotted rope and other materials at the problem? Since my initial post on May 11 regarding the Gulf Oil Spill , news sources from across the country have made it clear that a lack of backup planning have allowed this environmental catastrophe to grow out of control. Today, as the leak continues to pour crude oil into the Gulf, the term "backup plan" is being thrown around between industry professionals, government leaders and community members affected by the spill. The "blame game" will continue for years, but the need for proactive backup planning is clear today.
The following excerpts detail some of the frustration regarding the recent lack of backup planning in the Gulf and shed light on the need for backup planning in your own organization:
When you think of disaster what do you think of? Chances are you put flood, massive power outage, fire, and pandemic at the top of your list. These are all events that really we can't control - the hurricanes are going to happen, the power does go out, fires happen sometimes due to human error, and health crisis are still one of the large mysteries of life. So for these events that may or may not happen, you understand the need to have a disaster recovery and business continuity plan. Since you're reading this blog post, I assume you have such a DR/BCP in place to keep your business working efficiently when "disaster" strikes.
It has taken some time and a few more meetings than you’d like to remember, but you’ve done it. You’ve secured the budget needed to actually get your company set up with a proven Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan. But now what? You’ve promised the “powers that be” that you can deliver a DR implementation quickly, easily and seamlessly. And you cannot go over budget.
Well, take a look at your existing corporate infrastructure. What software tools are you currently using? How skilled are team members at learning a new piece of software? And don’t forget the deal-maker – “must be simple and on budget”. Chances are if you’re like many of the companies we do business with, you’re running a large chunk of Microsoft software. In fact pretty strong chance that you’re already using Microsoft SharePoint to collaboratively manage task and information within your organization.
Ogdensburg, NY – March 25, 2010 – KingsBridge Disaster Recovery is pleased to announce the latest release of Phoenix recovery planning software. Phoenix Foundation combines the KingsBridge expertise in DRP/BCP plans with the power and flexibility of Microsoft SharePoint.
Phoenix Foundation debuted earlier this week at Disaster Recovery Journal SpringWorld in Orlando, Florida. This new software release for 2010 from KingsBridge is available in two versions: the Phoenix Foundation WSS version and the Phoenix Foundation Moss version.
I always find it inspiring to see a long line of cyclist rolling along like an outstretched human train, everyone is wearing matching jersey and shorts working together to a common goal. If you’ve ever watched the Tour de France then you will certainly understand this amazing group of people working towards a sight. This is a sight that has become common at KingsBridge, minus the Tour de France part of course! Everyone working towards a common goal.
Before joining KingsBridge I often dealt with Skip Williams (CEO) as he frequently visited the bicycle store that I managed during my university days, as it was just around the corner from their office. He would often drop in mid-ride in full KingsBridge cycling gear, matching head to toe. I found it very interesting that a Disaster Recovery software and consulting company would have such a passion in cycling. One day Skip dropped by the shop and gave me a KingsBridge cycling jersey, unknown to me, the first of many to come. It was my first step into the KingsBridge train.
The current weather that has gripped Washington and most of the North East is a perfect example of what we try to impart to our clients. It doesn’t take a major event such as hurricane, flood, earthquake, etc. to cause a significant impact to your bottom line. Let’s take a quick look.
We are constantly asked about the Return on Investment (ROI) of Business Continuity (BC) and Disaster Recovery (DR). Unfortunately, it is very much like insurance (car, life, house, etc.) it doesn’t do you any good until you need it! For the most part BC/DR are money losers, in other words you aren’t making money from doing Recovery Planning. But, those days when you need some guidance or what to do in the event of “Snowmageddon” (for example), it will save you tons of money.
1862 Old Lemay Ferry
Arnold, MO 63010
Call: (636) 282-5800
Fax: (636) 282-5802
Email: drj@drj.com
