Development of Business Continuity Strategies

The purpose of this phase is to formulate and propose a viable recovery strategy that meets the requirements identified during the Business Impact Analysis. The strategy proposed needs to be practical, effective and efficient. It should also document the roles required to achieve recovery as well as the method by which the business will be able to continue its operations. It may include for example the identification of off-site storage requirements and alternative facilities.

Preparation of Options, Costs and Selection

It is sometimes possible to propose several options that would meet the requirements of the proposed strategy. These options are then costed and evaluated in terms of their effectiveness to enable a selection to be made that is commensurate with the worth of the activity to be recovered.

Implementation

This stage involves the implementation of any pre-requisites, for example any third party service provision contracts, such that the defined strategy is feasible.

BCP Preparation

Plan preparation involves the determination of plan structures, the allocation of responsibilities, the design of the plan in terms of style and presentation.

BCP Documentation

This stage is the production of the physical Business Continuity Plan. The main steps are:

• Production
• Population
• Distribution
• Review

BCP Testing

It is crucial that any BCP is tested regularly to ensure it is effective in meeting the objectives defined earlier in the process and that all personnel remain familiar with their roles and responsibilities within it.
Precise testing requirements will largely be dependant upon the scope and complexity of the plan but may include walk-throughs, technical tests, site tests or complete recovery simulation. Q1 Consulting can assist with the production of testing strategies and plans or to act as an observer to note timings and findings during the test process.

BCP Maintenance