IBM to launch pandemic preparedness consulting service

IBM has announced that it is to launch a new ‘Contingency Planning Assessment’ (CPA) service at the end of June. Aimed at helping businesses understand their potential exposure to a pandemic outbreak, and implement strategies to safeguard employees and maintain operations should such an outbreak occur, the service is aimed at all sizes of companies.

CPA will provide an independent review of an organization's pandemic response program based on industry best practices, government, World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and the experience of IBM's crisis response team in managing actual disaster situations. CPA also helps clients identify gaps and develop action plans to mitigate exposures.

"Business Risk management is all about preparing for exposure to risk - and a pandemic is like any other major risk," said Philippe Jarre, vice president, Global Business Continuity & Resiliency Services, IBM. "It is critical for organizations to understand how they could be impacted, to consider different options to keep employees working safely, and to ensure continued connections with suppliers and customers. Any investments made now will only serve to benefit the competitiveness of the business in the future."

CPA will provide an initial assessment of an organization's pandemic preparedness by reviewing areas such as: pandemic communication and education plans for employees and customers; human resource planning and monitoring; employee impact and mitigation plans; proximity to healthcare facilities; supply chain impact and mitigation plans; government interface plans; linkages to crisis and business continuity plans; business function and location-specific impact; IT, network, security and workplace infrastructure continuity; and resource identification and tracking.

While CPA has a specific focus on understanding the impact of a pandemic - especially the human factors - it also considers overall disaster preparedness. The plans and procedures will be applicable for many events that threaten workers, including hurricanes, power outages and earthquakes, for example.

Pricing
Contingency Planning Assessment for Small and Medium Businesses has a range of $10,000 to $35,000. This offering is a high-level review of the
client's vulnerabilities and assumes less complexity.

Contingency Planning Assessment for Enterprises is priced between
$50,000 and $150,000. This offering allows for greater complexity and
multiple sites.

http://www.ibm.com/services/continuity

•Date: 7th June 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic resources
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