| Free business continuity software available to US businesses The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is offering free continuity planning software to small businesses. The software allows businesses to produce individualised continuity of operations plans. COG initiated the effort in cooperation with the Greater Washington Board of Trade, as part of its Regional Emergency Coordination Plan. Marsh Crisis Consulting developed the content and software. "Much of our involvement in emergency preparedness planning has focused primarily on governmental bodies, including local jurisdictions, state and federal agencies," said David Robertson, COG executive director. "However, working with our partners at the Greater Washington Board of Trade, we recognised the need for this type of assistance to help protect the region's economy." "Businesses and other private institutions need to be prepared for the disruption in operations that can be caused by disasters, whether man-made or natural," said Robert Peck, president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. "This evaluation and planning tool responds to that real preparedness need. We at the Greater Washington Board of Trade are pleased that it is now available through COG and are going to urge our members to use it." The program enables businesses to identify hazards and to develop employee and supplier listings, checklists of key operational actions, and information on continuity of operations in the event that business processes are interrupted by a crisis event. Users produce their own document through a study guide approach. At the end of the process, users are able to download and print a document designed to accommodate their business type and needs. The software uses Microsoft Word for text printing and Internet browser connections to the Council of Governments' website. Users can select from very direct and simple hazard and business impacts analysis or use alternate, more detailed, methods of calculating needs by clicking on links within the text. Reading materials provide case studies, definitions, examples, and procedures to help the user conceptualise a plan. Within two-four hours small businesses can complete the plan if they have employee and vendor listings and ideas on what to do in the event that they lose a key operating component or employee. The free software can be accessed at www.mwcog.org/security/continuity/intro.asp. Users can download and save their plans to their personal computer for saving and editing as needs change. The plans can also be saved on the COG server for a limited period if users are unable to complete their plan in one session.
•Date:
11th June 2003 • N. America •Type:
Article •Topic: BC
software
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