With literally hundreds of disaster recovery plan/business continuity plan DRP/BCP templates available via the Internet to download and use for your program, how do you know which one to choose?  Should you use a template that is available through a blog or general information web site?  What about those available from companies specializing in DR/BC services?  Should you use guides provided by international standards organizations such as NIST and ISO?  Let’s examine each of these different template types to help you determine which template may be right for your business.

General Information Web Sites

There are many general information web sites available across the Internet that offer you FREE templates.  Many times these sites ask for general information from you in an effort to offer you additional services.  Often these sites post one or two items in relation to DR/BC but don’t focus on the topic. 

It is prudent to be very cautious when obtaining your free templates from these types of general information web sites.  More often than not, you will receive a template that either doesn’t work (it’s a PDF you can’t edit) or doesn’t contain information you need.  What you will then be left with is a non-functional template that has generated a hoard of spam e-mail for your inbox.

DR/BC Services Companies

DR/BC services companies specialize in helping businesses prepare for disasters.  They are often managed by certified continuity professionals or companies that focus on continuity services.  These companies typically charge fees to download their templates as it is considered a source of revenue in their business line.

Templates available through these service companies are among the best you can obtain.  The provider’s focus on DR/BC ensures their templates address those topics that are critical to a well implemented DR/BC program.  While these templates usually require payment of a fee to download them, the money is usually well worth it.  When looking for templates, be sure to compare cost between several providers.  Also, obtain a preview of the table of contents before buying to ensure it addresses topics you feel should be included in your plan.

Standards Organizations

Standards organizations provide a great service to businesses in helping identify best practices on many topics.  Many of these organizations provide standards and guidelines specifically on DR/BC.  These organizations can be found in many countries around the world as they support the establishment of standards for their countries.

Guides and templates available from standards organizations are usually focused on meeting requirements of standards they’ve established.  These guides and templates are an excellent source especially for businesses that are required by law to meet certain set government rules.  An excellent example is the healthcare industry.  All covered entities  must conform to the HIPAA Contingency Plan Standard.  NIST SP 800-34 is considered an excellent resource to help with HIPAA Contingency Plan Standard compliance.  These guides and templates are also great resources for other general businesses as well.

 For Consideration

Templates available through general information web sites must always be considered with great caution as they generally don’t work or don’t address the needs of an effective DR/BC plan.  Specialized services companies are an excellent source of products that often require payment of a fee and usually ensure the addressing of topics needed in an effective plan.  Standards organizations offer great resources to help businesses meet minimal planning needs or ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. 

Carefully consider the needs of your business when looking for plan templates.  It is critical to ensure the plan put together for your business meets your needs.  More importantly, consider obtaining the services of a certified professional that can assist you with your planning needs.  Your business survival in a disaster depends on the plans you produce.  Prepare your business today.         

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