Writing Assignment: Module 11 Real-World Flashcards
Visit the SunGard Web site at www.sungardas.com. Look for options that map to the alternatives in this module. Does the organization offer hot, warm, or cold services? Mobile services? What other services does it offer?
They offer a range of services including hot, warm, and cold site options.
Hot sites are fully functional backup facilities that are ready to take over in the event of an outage or disaster. Warm sites are partially equipped backup facilities that can be made fully operational within a short period of time. Cold sites are locations that can be quickly configured to meet a company’s specific needs in the event of a disaster.
SunGard also offers mobile recovery services, this service is particularly useful for clients who need to maintain operations in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
In addition to business continuity and disaster recovery services, SunGard also offers cloud computing, managed IT services, and consulting services to help clients optimize their technology infrastructure and operations.
Using your local telephone directory or a Web search, look for companies in your region that offer business continuity services. Which of them offer hot-site services? Which of them offer mobile services?
Services in and around Boulder, Colorado:
Continuity Logic - Continuity Logic provides business continuity management software and consulting services to help organizations prepare for and respond to disruptive events.
Agility Recovery - Agility Recovery is a provider of business continuity and disaster recovery solutions. They offer hot-site services and mobile recovery solutions to help businesses quickly recover from a disaster.
Recovery Point Systems - Recovery Point Systems is a provider of business continuity and disaster recovery services. They offer hot-site services, cloud-based recovery solutions, and mobile recovery services.
SunGard Availability Services - As mentioned earlier, has services, including hot-site and mobile recovery solutions.
Visit Continuity Central’s Web site at www.continuitycentral.com. Click the “Jobs” link at the top of the Web page. What topic listings would be of interest to someone writing a BC plan? To someone focusing on BC management? What skills and attributes are organizations seeking in a candidate? Select a position announcement for each topic and bring it to class for discussion.
organizations are seeking for candidates that have the following:
Technical knowledge: Candidates should have a solid understanding of business continuity planning methodologies, risk assessments, disaster recovery strategies, and other related technical skills.
Business acumen: Candidates must have a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, strategy, operations, and regulatory environment. They should be able to work collaboratively with stakeholders across the organization to identify critical processes, develop plans, and implement solutions.
Communication skills: Candidates should have strong verbal and written communication skills, as they will need to explain complex concepts and technical information to various audiences. They should be able to develop clear and concise reports, presentations, and training materials.
Project management skills: Business continuity management involves coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing timelines, and ensuring that plans are implemented effectively. Candidates should have project management experience and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Analytical skills: Candidates should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and mitigate risks, assess the impact of potential disruptions, and develop strategies to minimize the impact of disruptions.
Adaptability: Business continuity management requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to develop creative solutions to complex problems. Candidates should be flexible, adaptable, and able to work effectively under pressure.
Professional certifications: Many organizations seek candidates with professional certifications such as Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Using a Web browser or your library’s article-search tool, look for articles describing the impact of recent major events on businesses in your area. Look for details on how the businesses dealt with the disaster through BC planning. Is there any discussion of companies without BC plans that went out of business due to loss of facilities? What about companies that did have BC plans?
2020 Colorado wildfires - In 2020, wildfires swept through Colorado, including the Boulder area. The fires forced many businesses to evacuate, and some suffered significant property damage. Businesses that had business continuity plans in place were better able to deal with the disruption.
COVID-19 pandemic - The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on businesses in Boulder and around the world. Businesses that had business continuity plans in place were better able to respond to the pandemic.
Do a Web search on the terms “business continuity” and “certification.” What do you find? Are there any certifications other than those listed in this module? What core skills are promoted in the certifications you find?
ISO 22301 Lead Auditor - This certification focuses on auditing and assessing business continuity management systems according to the international standard ISO 22301. Core skills promoted in this certification include risk management, audit processes, and the ability to develop and implement business continuity strategies.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Although not solely focused on business continuity, the CISSP certification includes topics such as disaster recovery planning, business continuity planning, and crisis management. Core skills promoted in this certification include information security, risk management, and disaster recovery planning.
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) - This certification is offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers and covers a range of emergency management topics, including business continuity planning. Core skills promoted in this certification include emergency management planning, crisis communication, and incident response.
Overall, the core skills promoted in these certifications include risk management, emergency planning and response, crisis communication, and the ability to develop and implement business continuity strategies.
