How to Conduct a Business Impact Analysis

You have just been selected as a member of a team chartered with conducting an enterprise-wide Business Impact Analysis (or BIA, as it is more commonly called), as the first step in developing a new business contingency plan. What does this assignment mean to your already ‘robust’ job responsibilities? Where and how do you start?… Continue reading How to Conduct a Business Impact Analysis

Automated Disaster Recovery Plan Auditing

Prospects for Utilizing Expert Systems to Evaluate Disaster Recovery Plans The application of the techniques of artificial intelligence to the task of disaster recovery plan auditing is discussed. A prototype expert system for DRP auditing[1] is described and evaluated. We conclude that automated DRP auditing is feasible. If you have ever been involved in an… Continue reading Automated Disaster Recovery Plan Auditing

Systematic Disaster Planning Part 1: Charting the Course of Disaster

Effective disaster planning is systematic. Good plans are purposeful, methodical and, above all, built on a firm foundation. The best framework for plan foundation-building is a careful and complete risk analysis. Risk analysis attempts to identify the conditions that can lead to disastrous outcomes, and their relative likelihoods. By reasoning through the possibilities, the disaster… Continue reading Systematic Disaster Planning Part 1: Charting the Course of Disaster

Systematic Disaster Planning Part 2: From Ideas to Actions

A disaster plan is a design, or blueprint, for action in the face of adversity. To be effective, the plan must be well thought out, taking into consideration the many complex factors that comprise a disaster. In part 1 of this two-part series, we suggested a rigorous, yet simple to apply, method for the analysis… Continue reading Systematic Disaster Planning Part 2: From Ideas to Actions

Conduct a Hard Hitting BIA: Proven Tips for Success!

So, you have been tasked with developing a business impact analysis as a prelude to your corporate business resumption plan. Congratulations, I am both happy and sad for you! Seriously speaking, this will be a most visible project with ample opportunity to shine in the eyes of executive management. On the other hand, it could… Continue reading Conduct a Hard Hitting BIA: Proven Tips for Success!