Study Reveals Businesses are Deficient in Disaster Preparedness

Many Small and Mid-Sized Companies with Continuity Plans Still Ill-Prepared

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to a recent survey, small and mid-sized businesses are woefully unprepared for disasters and misled by existing data backup plans.

“A data backup plan is not the same as a disaster recovery plan”

The 2009 Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Survey was conducted by Agility Recovery Solutions and Hughes Marketing Group. More than 700 business owners and executives throughout North America participated. Among the highlights:

Data backup brings a false sense of security.

• 94% of companies have formal data backup plans.
• While 75% of companies say they can have their employees back to work within days of a disaster, only:
  • 28% have access to alternative office space.
  • 41% have access to mobile office space.
  • 54% could acquire temporary office equipment.
  • 57% have access to power generators.

Small and medium-sized businesses are woefully unprepared for disasters.

• 90% of smaller companies (<100 employees) surveyed spend less than one day per month maintaining their continuity plans.
• One in five (22%) spend no time maintaining their plans.
• Comparatively, 20% of larger companies (>100 employees) spend more than 10 days per month on their continuity plans.

Responses indicate a difference between saying the “right thing” and taking action.

• Gaining C-level buy-in is a challenge. Regardless of business size, survey results show many companies have difficulties getting C-level executives to embrace the importance of continuity planning.
• Although 67% of respondents feel an effective business continuity plan is paramount to company success, only 53% think their company’s management team feels the same way.

“A data backup plan is not the same as a disaster recovery plan,” said Bob Boyd, chief executive of Agility Recovery. “The best data in the world is useless if you can’t make use of it. Businesses must take measures to ensure employees can return to work immediately after a disaster. Without alternate plans, you’re business will pay the ultimate price.”

Complete survey results are available at www.AgilityRecovery.com.

About Agility Recovery Solutions

Agility Recovery offers on-site disaster recovery and business continuity services for small and mid-sized businesses throughout North America. If you have a disaster, Agility will deliver the power, technology, space and/or connectivity elements needed to recover. Visit www.AgilityRecovery.com for more information.