Business continuity: smaller firms most vulnerable to problems.

• Author: Marshall, Jeffrey
• Position: BusinessBriefs

For business continuity planning, size does matter, according to John Medaska, vice president of business development with Relational Technology Services (www.relationaltechnology.com). Medaska says small companies are probably the most vulnerable to business interruptions because they don't have the financial base to absorb disruptions for very long. Being out of touch with customers even for a few days, or having customer history or other key records destroyed, can result in a loss of business from which a small company may never recover.

Medaska advocates having a business continuity plan in place that can negate the effect of a terrorist attack, either direct or residual. Some key points are:

* Location, Location, Location -- A business continuity site doesn't have to be buried deep into the side of a mountain like NORAD. In fact, Medaska recommends keeping it within an hour's drive of the main site. This is far enough away to not be directly affected by an attack, but close enough that personnel will be willing to go there in a time of crisis and emotional upheaval.

* Planning Is No Tape Job -- When setting up a...