Survey looks at UK business continuity investment drivers

The results of a survey conducted by SunGard Availability Services show that despite large scale disasters often dominating the news agenda, it is more mundane causes that are driving companies’ approach to business continuity management. The threat of terrorism and information security threats both ranked secondary to regulation and increased reliance on IT, when companies were asked to specify the main BCM investment driver within their organisations. Overall, almost three quarters of respondents plan to increase their investments in BCM during 2007.

The survey also found that there is considerable appetite for the new British Standard business continuity management standard, BS 25999.

Safeguarding customer relationships (62 percent of responses) and differentiating from the competition (40 percent) topped the list of reasons for complying with the standard.

Respondents were highly positive about the likely impact of BS 25999. When asked about their view of the standard and its impact on their organisations, respondents said they would consider certifying against the standard (39 percent of responses), believed the standard would make business continuity management easier (33 percent), and was “well overdue” (25 percent).

“BS 25999 should transform many organisations’ approach to the way they operate,” comments Keith Tilley, managing director and senior vice president Europe, SunGard Availability Services. “Until now, many companies viewed BCM as little more than a box-ticking exercise – one that was generally confined to the IT department. Since IT touches every part of the business, it is imperative that any decisions that impact availability to customers – including business continuity – are made at the highest levels.”

Other research findings include:

- 10 percent of companies said the threat of terrorism was the main business continuity management investment driver.
- 54 percent said regulation was the main BCM investment driver.
- 20 percent of companies polled said their strategy to keep information and people available and connected was purely reactive.

www.sungard.co.uk

•Date: 14th Dec 2006• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: BC statistics
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