Third of Irish businesses 'lack business continuity programme'

In a recent survey, 33% of Irish businesses said that they did not have a business continuity process.

The survey, carried out by IDC a global intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industry, also revealed that 43% of these felt that this situation would not change in the foreseeable future.

"The main hurdles to implementing a business continuity solution are cost/budget constraints and management buy-in. In many organisations, business continuity is perceived as an IT issue only, which means it competes with other IT budget demands," said Duncan Brown, director of IDC UK Consulting.

"Business continuity should not be seen solely as an IT issue. It is imperative that IT managers work hard to create an understanding of the wider implications to senior management so that they understand that business continuity is vital to reduce their company's exposure to risk."

IT vendors have claimed business continuity as critical to positioning their services and solutions.

However, to increase market penetration they must demonstrate the need for business continuity to non-IT personnel.