On average, only four percent of a data center's budget is allocated to Business Continuity Management. Yet analysts have noted since 2007 the importance of planning and implementing strategic Business Continuity Management processes to secure a competitive advantage for business. As globalization grows, company networks have to be available 24/7, regardless of unforeseeable events.

Business Continuity Management planning is a complex process that has to cover various governing standards and legal requirements. Individual strategies are available that can be tailored to individual company needs. Business Continuity Management provides a strong tool for identifying and prioritizing mission-critical business processes and outlines a process for recovery within a given time frame: Business Impact Analysis.

For any enterprise, the Business Continuity Planner must outline a clear process to achieve uptime for all key stakeholders, including senior managers and top executives. Only with their support will all the benefits of Business Continuity Management translate into the following advantages:

• Reduced downtimes, especially application recovery times
• Complete transparency and IT asset protection
• Stable business processes to ensure competitive advantages
• Cost savings from identified insurance policies and service agreements
• Structured action plan for to manage incidents and disruptions
• Increased company security