The Importance of Business Continuity Essay Example

Major disasters are known for generating an intense amount of telecommunications traffic, which can cause well-managed networks to crash.

According to Houck (2004, p. 1), critical national infrastructures such as power, finance, and transportation rely heavily on information and telecommunications networks like voice, data, and the Internet to deliver services and carry out tasks. These networks are typically reliable but can experience extended outages in the event of a disaster. To improve communication facilities for the government and emergency response community, it is important to consider their main requirements. This includes the ability to communicate internally within the local, state, and federal emergency response community and officials (such as police, fire, rescue, local government, and hospitals), receive broadcasts through radio and television, communicate with the local population via the Internet, radio, and television, and communicate with private companies that can provide equipment and services during an emergency (Taylor, 2002). Having a Disaster Recovery Plan is crucial in addressing these needs.

Taylor (2002, p. 1) highlighted that despite the increasing sophistication and usefulness of communication systems over time, catastrophic failures and the stress of widespread response to disasters remain a possibility. The events of September 11, 2001 have renewed interest in analyzing existing emergency and local government response mechanisms to identify potential measures for providing additional safeguards and backup communications in future disasters.

Having a disaster recovery plan is crucial, especially after events like September 11, 2001. Communication networks can suffer damage and become overloaded during disasters, causing difficulties in accessing information for the general public and both government and disaster personnel. Businesses that depend on transmitting voice and data signals are particularly affected

by infrastructure loss. Being prepared before catastrophe strikes is essential.

Despite a business believing in the validity of their plan, restoring a failed network will inevitably be a complex task (Knisley, 1995).

The Disaster Recovery Plan

The objective of a disaster recovery plan is to guarantee the prompt attention to customers and the swiftest possible restoration of business operations. In addition, the process of developing such a plan can lead companies to identify areas where improvements in certain processes and IT systems can enhance their versatility.

In the process of establishing a disaster plan for IT infrastructure, various system design concepts need consideration. These include the option of establishing a redundant network featuring satellite or wireless connectivity along with alternate service facilities and backup power. Additionally, accurate record keeping, network security, and network testing are requisite for a successful plan. Satellite and wireless networks offer some effective methods for infrastructure recovery and restoration of services during disasters or emergencies.

In disaster situations, satellite communications serve as a crucial backup to critical infrastructure that could be destroyed or submerged. Therefore, it is important for local governments, emergency organizations, police, and fire departments to implement mobile or fixed satellite systems as a complement to other telecommunications infrastructure. (Taylor, 2002).

The maturity of wireless technology means it is now a dependable option for daily use and as a backup in emergencies. In situations where facilities are inaccessible for extended periods, wireless access becomes the only way to retrieve necessary data from disconnected servers and maintain crucial business functions. The strength of wireless networks, combined with the prevalence of mobile devices, makes it an essential element of

organizations' emergency response plans.

A comprehensive testing process is necessary for the success of a plan. To ensure business continuity after a disaster, it is crucial for companies to have a tested disaster recovery program in place. This program should contain different action plans such as a risk-reducing disaster avoidance plan, an emergency response plan for swift reaction to minor incidents, a recovery plan to help the company resume primary functions, and finally, a business continuity plan aimed at restoring all activities back to normal operations (Hiatt, 2000).

Conclusion

Numerous businesses stand to gain from having a disaster recovery strategy in place. However, many business owners tend to either disregard the need for one or delay creating, implementing, and testing said plan until it's too late and their operations become disrupted due to an unforeseen disaster.

The primary concerns of this plan are the individuals and duties required to promptly alleviate harm to both persons and company property. Once the safety of personnel, visitors, and the general public is secured, the plan should also encompass techniques for maintaining positive public perception and promotional initiatives designed to inform customers that your business is operational, as well as how they may contact you.