Computers have become a common tool in business. Unfortunately in a large percentage of businesses there is little understanding of the significant impact their computing has on their risk profile. The Y2K "bug" aftermath has shown that, many companies have a very poor awareness of their real situation; there is a large amount of denial of how exposed they are to the impacts of a disaster.

A customer will not pay more than they think a service is worth to them. It is the normal behaviour of people to believe that the chance of a disaster affecting them is much lower than the real possibility. Plus, they underestimate the likely effect(s) in cost, effort and time. Therefore, the implementation of both disaster protection system’s and disaster recovery process are much lower than a realistic assessment would indicate was prudent.

University of Texas research shows that 50% of businesses that loose their operational data never re-open. Of the remaining 50%, 40% slowly deteriorate, dying within 2 years. Only 10% survive.

As the Internet continues its pervasive growth, many businesses are moving from being dependent upon "batch" data to transactional or online data. This raises the risk and the impact of the failure of the computing system because transactional data must be captured as it arrives not periodically.

Thus the question is: "Is developing a DRP a useful exercise"? Improving Business Productivity Pty Ltd developed the Disaster Exposure Impact Report as a first step to answer this question. What would be the impact on your operation if your total computing capability is destroyed by an unforseen event? Armed with this information your Directors can make an informed decision about the appropriate action to take.

Telephone:       Keith Parris  0419 565 558