American Business Continuity Management standard joint development
Press release - 14 November 2008
ASIS International (ASIS) and BSI British Standards are to collaborate on the development of an American Business Continuity Management (BCM) standard. The standard will be based on the recently published British Standard, BS 25999 (Part 1 – Code of Practice; Part 2 – Specification), and will eliminate confusion in the marketplace by providing a unified approach to BCM on both sides of the Atlantic.
The new American Standard will provide a clear roadmap for developing, implementing and improving the effectiveness of an organization’s business continuity management plan. It will present criteria that can be objectively audited by third parties, thereby assuring company stakeholders that an appropriate BCM plan is in place.
There will be reciprocation between the two standards, thus allowing companies to start building their BCM programmes immediately, using an already mature BS 25999 framework without having to wait for the new American Standard.
ASIS will establish a technical committee to develop the standard which will be comprised of business continuity programme managers, service providers and other interested parties.
Mark Geraci, Chairman of the ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines, said, “This business continuity standard will assist organizations put in place a comprehensive plan for preparedness in line with the recommendations of Title IX. It is envisaged that, once published, the standard will improve the effectiveness of business continuity management in the US.”
Mike Low, Director of BSI British Standards, said, “BS 25999 Parts 1 and 2 have been very successful in assisting businesses improve their preparedness for both anticipated and unexpected events. I am pleased that BSI can contribute to the production of this American National Standard.”
ASIS and BSI are seeking input from business continuity professionals to develop membership on the technical committee that will draft and critique the new standard. Interested parties should contact ASIS at guidelines@asisonline.org
About BSI Group
BSI British Standards is part of BSI Group, a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world’s first national standards body, the Group has over 2,300 staff operating in over 120 countries through more than 50 global offices. The Group’s key offerings are:
- The development and sale of private, national and international standards and supporting information
- Second and third-party management systems assessment and certification
- Product testing and certification of services and products
- Performance management software solutions
- Training services in support of standards implementation and business best practice.
For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com.
