The Economy & Business Continuity

While some folks say the economy is improving, it's improving slowly. For many organizations, this means cutting back on spending on business continuity and disaster recovery. You might want to think again, however, once you read this week's articles. It seems that the right way to approach this economic impact is to recognize that BC is more important than ever in these difficult times and to learn how to maximize the impact of what you spend.

Slashing the BC budget can result in serious damage to your organization in the long run. (Item #1)   Instead of cutting costs, focus on how to get better return on what you're already investing. (Item #2)   Upgrading plans and testing procedures are the right things to do in a recession. (Item #3)  

Greater security for your networks can improve productivity. (Item #4)   You can't only spend on the most glaring weaknesses; hackers will find the lesser ones you thought you could live with. (Item #5)   How do some BC pros stay relevant, even in tough economic times? (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Don't cut back on business continuity

Though there may be several areas of business that can safely be scaled down and reorganized during tough times, organizations are warned that slashing the business continuity budget is not only irresponsible and dangerous, but can result in serious damage to the business in the long term.
http://www.brainstormmag.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2177:dont-cut-back-on-business-continuity

2. Right time to ensure efficiency of BCP spend

Despite the current tough times, companies that already have a business continuity management (BCM) program should not look for ways to cut expenses relating to their business continuity plans (BCP). Instead, they should see how to get a better return on what they have already invested in BCM, and stop spending time on low-value BCM activities.
http://www.zdnetasia.com/right-time-to-ensure-efficiency-of-bcp-spend-62054282.htm

3. Costing it up - the effect of the recession on business continuity technology spend

It will come as no surprise to readers that those the business continuity technology providers are determined to stay positive about the sector's prospects throughout the downturn, but it has to be said: there do seem to be some genuine grounds for that optimism.
http://www.paconsulting.com/introducing-pas-media-site/highlighting-pas-expertise-in-the-media/articles-quoting-pa-experts/effect-of-recession-on-business-continuity-technology-spend/

4. Tough Economy Means Tougher Efforts to Mitigate Business Data Risk

In a tough economy business budgets get squeezed, especially those of small and medium-sized companies. However, just because the economy is tough, doesn't mean owners can lessen their concern about protecting computer networks and data. In fact, greater business security can lead to improved business productivity, which is essential during tough economic times.
http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=322838

5. Security Manager's Journal: Why would a company not spring for Cadillac security?

Too many corporate decision-makers think it's wise to shore up only the most glaring security weaknesses. But attackers will always be able to find the weaknesses you decided you could live with. So, is seeking perfection in security a luxury or a necessity? The author continues to be urged to consider it the former, and continues to see that as folly.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9221894/Security_Manager_s_Journal_
Why_would_a_company_not_spring_for_Cadillac_security_

6. How to Stay Relevant in Tough Economic Times

As business continuity professionals, many of us are struggling with justifying the existence of the programs we've spent a considerable amount of time implementing and maintaining. Yet, other business continuity professionals, some in the most economically-challenged industries, aren't experiencing tough questions, massive budgetary decreases or even losses of headcount. Instead, they are going about business as usual, and if asked, are prepared with very straightforward answers regarding the value they deliver to their organizations. But why? What makes them different?
http://www.avalution.com/Resources/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=65