Industry news

UK firms fail to see risk of IT downtime

More than 20 per cent of UK firms lack a detailed business continuity plan, despite the risk that IT downtime poses, it has been revealed.

A study conducted by IDC and commissioned by BT Global Services revealed that threats including flooding, IT disasters and terrorism were not being taken seriously by a fifth of IT managers.

It was also revealed that two thirds of companies were leaving sole responsibility for business continuity with IT departments, although on a more positive note, the majority of Boards were seen to be taking continuity more importantly.

Approximately 49 per cent of chief executives and directors were beginning to involve themselves in the process, while 36 per cent of chief technical officers were also found to be taking more responsibility.

Ed Cordin, European consulting director for IDC, said: "The research shows that many business leadership teams are now taking notice of the business continuity issue. That is an important development because keeping the business running, come what may, has to be a keyboard-level concern, not just one of IT.

"That said, the alignment between aspiration, accountability and decision making still requires significant attention in many organisations. Likewise, organisations that do not posses the detailed business continuity plans need to act now."