Survey Identifies Key Planning Trends

A recent AT&T study reveals some interesting trends in preparedness. The study is published annually for the last seven years and includes approximately 500 participants.

Before we get into the findings, it is important to understand that the study has significant limitations. First, only IT executives are questioned. Other executives may view things differently and should be included.

Second, the survey is conducted in five cities or metropolitan areas: Seattle/Portland, Chicago, New York, Raleigh/Durham, and San Antonio/Houston. The geographically disperse areas are tallied and averaged to produce a “national” perspective. Participating companies had a minimum of $10 million in annual revenue.

On to some key findings.

1 in 5 do not have a plan – 80% of respondents said they have either a business continuity or disaster recovery plan. The study does not distinguish between the two, although there are significant differences in the preparedness profession. BC relates to overall business functions while DR refers specifically to digitally stored data. The lack of distinction suggests that more than twenty percent of companies surveyed do not have appropriate planning in place.

30% do not consider planning a priority - The study finds 30 percent of those surveyed don't consider disaster planning a priority. This is a remarkable figure when one considers the responding audience. IT executives are generally more diligent in backing up data and protecting their systems than business owners are about planning to protect processes. If 30% of IT executives don't see the urgency, polling other executives on the same question is likely to produce an even higher percentage.

Disaster-stricken areas plan more - Companies in areas where disasters have struck recently appear to be more planning-oriented. Hurricane-prone Texas firms were more likely to test their plans than Chicago-based businesses. A similar trend can be seen when comparing New York to Seattle/Portland.

Larger companies plan more - Larger companies (500+ employees) are more likely to plan than smaller businesses (fewer than 100 employees).

Although the survey may have shortcomings that fail to reveal accurate numbers, it does signify some important trends that make it worth a read. I just hope that next year they will offer a little more clarity to separate business continuity from disaster recovery. Read the full report.

Disaster Preparedness Consulting, LLC