White Paper - e-Continuity: The New Imperative

continuity and recovery. Strategies must address
country-specific factors such as the extent and
reliability of the infrastructure, the prevalence of
cross-border remote hosting and network man-
agement arrangements, cultural differences that
affect a user’s tolerance for service interruptions,
and the level of effort and expense required to
remedy customer dissatisfaction.
IInntteeggrraattee ccoonnttiinnuuiittyy wwiitthh IITT iinniittiiaattiivveess
As organizations evaluate and prepare to adopt
new technologies — such as SANs and mobile
commerce — they need to realistically assess the
potential disruptions that can result, define conti-
nuity goals, and implement appropriate measures
to achieve those goals.
CCoonnssiiddeerr wwoorrkkiinngg wwiitthh aa ttrruusstteedd aaddvviissoorr
The quest for business continuity should be
viewed as a continuous journey, one that follows
close behind the rapid evolution of information
technology. Because the stakes are so high and
the risks so numerous, it is advisable to choose a
partner who can help you evaluate your current
situation and plan and execute a continuity strat-
egy. Attributes to look for include:
> A business-driven approach that focuses
on aligning continuity investments with
business plans
> Familiarity with a wide range of high-availability
technologies and services
> An in-depth understanding of heterogeneous
IT infrastructures and operations, including
outsourced and service provider environments
> A successful record of working with third
parties and managing multiple relationships
to achieve continuity goals in a global
environment
Having an experienced and trusted advisor helps
your organization maintain focus, make sound
choices, and implement your strategy with speed,
discipline, and self-assurance.
Conclusion
To win and sustain customer and partner loyalty,
organizations must meet users’ heightened
expectations for round-the-clock access to IT-
supported business processes. Doing so requires
an enterprise-level commitment to business and
IT continuity, which will be reflected in the com-
pany’s business strategy, IT infrastructure, and
IT operations.
Because today’s organizations are so reliant on
business partners, continuity strategies must
encompass the extended enterprise, including
supply chain partners and IT outsourcing
providers. In addition, continuity planning needs
to take into account emerging technologies such
as SANs and wireless communication: first, by
ensuring continuity for new infrastructure and
applications, and later, by employing those same
technologies to enhance continuity.
A trusted continuity advisor can help you evaluate
the many challenges and choices you face, and
develop high-value continuity capabilities that
support your business strategy.
7