A disaster recovery plan (DRP) must be based on a solid business continuity plan that has taken into account the reality of the business requirements for recovery. If it doesn`t meet these requirements, it is of no value. This is the word from Keith Fenner, Vice-President: Strategic Sales, Softline Accpac. He adds that disaster striking your business should never be viewed as an "if", but rather a "when".
Companies today are striving to meet the demand for continuous service. With the growth of e-commerce and other factors driving system availability expectations, the average organisation`s requirement for recovery time from a major system outage now ranges between two and 24 hours. This demand for 24/7 availability is also being fuelled by the demands a company faces from all sides:
* Customers: expect supplies and services to continue - or resume rapidly - no matter what the crisis.
* Shareholders: expect management control to remain operational through any crisis.
* Employees: expect their jobs to be protected.
* Suppliers: expect their revenue streams to continue.
* Regulatory agencies: expect requirements to be met.
* Insurance companies: expect caution to be exercised.
Fenner explains that a business continuity plan is the result of an analysis of the business and of the core functions, applications and systems that, if impacted by a natural or other disaster (be it short- or long-term), would cause significant disruption to the normal operation and productivity of the business, affecting its viability. Disaster recovery is usually understood as a technology term, while business continuity is broader - encompassing IT as well as staff displacement, customer communications and any other function crucial to the continued operation of the business.
"Disaster recovery is purely a hardware and software issue. Business continuity, on the other hand, adds the human element to this - looking at exactly what it`ll take for the company to remain up and running despite logistical difficulties like the power supply issue, for example. A business continuity plan thus has to put certain methodology in place; it`s not just a software plan about retrieving data," says Fenner.
DRPs need to have management buy-in. Disasters can always strike, so it is imperative that management takes ownership of an effective DRP. Senior management must understand and support the business impacts and risks associated with a complete system failure. Public companies can even be held liable, to a certain degree, if negligence can be proved. This is a serious matter when data is involved. Management needs to understand the risks with and without implementing a high-availability solution, as well as how to fund the DRP.
Today, this involves finding a world-class partner to manage your business continuity plan, Fenner believes. There are huge issues and consequences to consider, and planning for each and every scenario is crucial. Managing risk is best left to the experts: a company that will handle all continuity issues smoothly; everything from your documentation to devising a plan of action for employees based on every possible scenario.
"Today`s businesses are more dependent on information technology than ever before, making business continuity and disaster recovery a core concern. Disruptions to IT infrastructure and unpredictable events can have catastrophic consequences that threaten the bottom line. A successful business continuity and disaster recovery plan that incorporates mission-critical business requirements and is continually tested and updated can mean the difference between `open for business` or `closed for good`," Fenner concludes.
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Softline Accpac
Softline Accpac is a provider of business management solutions, including financial, distribution, service management, retail, warehouse management, manufacturing and CRM to the mid-range market. Accpac solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through a global network of solution providers, including over 150 throughout Africa. Softline Accpac`s product line includes: Accpac ERP, Accpac CRM, Accpac RMS, Service Manager and Accpac Insight. Softline Accpac also distributes Sage ERP X3, a full-service enterprise management software system for mid-to-large businesses. With a choice of languages, currencies, enterprises, locations and legislations, Sage ERP X3 offers an efficient, multi-company solution.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium and large sized companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia. Focused on the development of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently. Softline`s leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group`s product offerings provides Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.
The Sage Group
The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software solutions and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has 5.8 million customers and more than 14 500 employees worldwide. We operate in over 26 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit http://www.sage.com.
Sage ERP X3
Sage ERP X3 is a solution designed specifically for midsize and large businesses. With over 2 300 customers worldwide, Sage ERP X3 is a mature solution specifically targeted at companies with 50 to 2 000 employees working in the fields of manufacturing, services and distribution. Sage ERP X3, which is based on the SAFE X3 (Sage Application Framework for the Enterprise) development and integration platform, common to the other Sage solutions (CRM, FRP, WMS, HR), enables automation of business processes and skills specificities, in compliance with legal and normative aspects. This modular and pre-configured powerful solution allows for advanced customisations and embeds several interactive Sage visual processes. Sage ERP X3 is a solution that is easy to use, fast to implement and cost-effective.
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