The Disaster Recovery Plan

The terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 are focusing the attention of organization decision makers on the urgent need to prepare for disaster recovery. The Business Continuity Plan (BCP) describes the steps an organization takes when it cannot operate normally because of a natural or manmade disaster. It may be written for a specific business process or may address all mission-critical business processes. Business continuity and disaster recovery are critical components used to ensure that systems essential to the operation of the organization are available when needed. Before September 11, 2001, most organizations thought of a disaster in terms of a flooding or snowstorm that disrupts operations because essential personnel cannot get to work. Recent events have made it clear that the word 'disaster' can mean something far more detrimental. Events may occur which can take months or even years for an organization to recover.