Business Continuity vs. Disaster Recovery in CIS - Course Analysis

The assignment provides a detailed exploration of business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR) within the context of computer information systems. It emphasizes that BCP involves creating systems to help an organization recover from potential threats and maintain operations during disruptive events, while DR focuses on restoring critical IT infrastructure post-disaster. The distinction between BCP as a broader strategy encompassing business functions, including DR, is discussed. Additionally, the role of the IT department in managing disaster recovery plans using current industry standards is highlighted to ensure readiness against data breaches or other crises. The assignment underlines the importance of integrating disaster recovery strategies into overall business continuity plans to sustain and grow business operations despite challenges.

1Running Head: COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Computer Information Systems
Student’s Name
Institution
Computer Information Systems

2COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Business continuity planning (BCP) is a process which involves the developing
of systems which aid an organization to recover and prevent them from potential
threats (British Standards Institution, 2006). Business continuity planning is also
referred to as business continuity and resiliency planning. Disaster recovery (DR) is a
process in which tools, procedures and policies are developed to enable the
continuation or recovery of technological systems and infrastructure which are vital to
a company after a human induced or natural disaster. Disaster recovery has its prime
focus on the information technology infrastructure and systems which support the
business functions which are very critical to its operations. Business continuity
planning is different from disaster recovery because it focuses on maintaining steady
operations within an organization even if disruptive events may occur. Disaster
recovery has been described to be a business continuity subset because its main aim is
to ensure business continuity within an organization (Dimattia, 2001).
The information technology department within any company is the backbone of
all technical operations. They ensure that all the IT infrastructure and systems are in
check for use by the organization. The presence of an IT department guarantees that
operations in any organization are kept in check and smooth business operations are
maintained. They also have the ability to train and manage employee interactions with
the in house technologies to ensure the business goals are achieved. The disaster
recovery plan especially regarding technology used by a company is managed by the
IT department. They usually deliberate and develop disaster recovery plans which are
based on current industry standards which ensure a company is prepared to recover

3COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
and respond to any potential disasters that may befall the organizations’ data, systems
or IT infrastructure (Brandon, 2011). A good example of where a disaster recovery
plan comes in is when a organizations systems are breached. If their systems are
breached a company should have a plan which helps them determine the steps to take
in such a scenario so that they do not lose clients or suffer losses in their business. The
business continuity plan usually incorporates various strategies which include disaster
recovery. The sole purpose of the business continuity plan is to ensure that the
business remains in operation and grows even as they are faced with various
challenges (Intrieri, 2013).
References
Brandon J. (2011). “How to Use the Cloud as a Disaster Recovery Strategy.” Inc.
British Standards Institution (2006). Business continuity management-Part 1: Code of
practice. London.
Dimattia S. (2001). “Planning for Continuity.” Library Journal: 32-32.
Intrieri C. (2013). “Business Continuity Planning.” Flevy