OPTIONS

1) Voice continuity options—custom calling features including call forwarding, three-way calling, speed dialing; emergency or alternate route services; flexible net­work configuration service, such as variable long distance carriers or bandwidth allocation services; automated call distribution systems; Centrex; ISDN services; call­ing cards; voicemail; telecommuting
 
2) Network continuity options—private lines; flexible network configuration ser­vices; ISDN services; SONET networks and alternate wire centers; switched multi-megabit data services

WHY BUY?
Threatened by power outages, broken lines, or network congestion, telecommunica­tions continuity is critical to business continuity. Ensure your business’ ability to bypass telecommunications trouble zones and keep internal and external voice and data net­work links continuous via assorted strategies and equipment.
 
WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1) Vendors targeting the disaster recovery market—typically more cognizant of time criticality and accustomed to working under emergency conditions
 
2) Vendors that will act as a single point-of-contact
 
3) Vendors providing immediate on-site assistance, including damage assessment, sample selection and analysis, source/root cause analysis, restoration assistance, and documentation of findings
 
4) Telecommunications plans that safeguard critical functions and re-route around network outages
 
5) Diversified external facilities and carriers
 
6) Fortified internal networks, cables, and facilities
 
7) Continual back-up power capabilities
 
8) Documentation and testing procedures in place
 
9) Ability to provide post-event reviews with media and insurance agencies, as well as expert testimony and litigation support

COST CONSIDERATIONS

A detailed cost analysis will often reveal hidden expenses. When adding up costs, consider the following:

1) Examine existing contracts for response commitment times and re-negotiate fees to meet recovery needs.
 
2) Some “on demand” services, including T-l and T-3, carry high usage fees. Others carry monthly access fees.
 
3) Consider added costs if equipment requires air conditioning.
 
4) Additional charge for technical support? Fees typically run in the $100/hour range, higher after business hours and on weekends. Some vendors supply unlimited free technical support during the warranty period.

BE PREPARED
In order to bid for your business, vendors will want to know:

1) Network type, age, and distribution
 
2) Which networks support your critical business functions
 
3) Relationships between critical business functions and the networks that support them
 
4) In which order networks need to be recovered
 
5) Time frame for recovery
 
6) Type of failure that would result in the greatest loss to your company. Possible points of failure.
 
7) Natural hazards threats, physical security risks
 
8) Building location, design, and age
 
9) Past experiences with computer system viruses or hackers
 
10) Telecommunications management outsourcing arrangements

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL VENDORS

1) Do you target the disaster recovery market?
 
2) Level and availability of technical expertise and assistance?
 
3) Are on-site recovery services available around-the-clock?
 
4) Disaster declaration procedures?
 
5) How are multiple declarations handled?
 
6) How many actual disasters declared?

a. Results?

7) How elaborate are contingency plans for your own operations?
 
8) Type of back-up power offered?
 
9) For how long will it operate?
 
10) Does equipment require air conditioning or climate controls?
 
11)  How long have you been in this business?
 
12)  References available?
 
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK VENDOR REFERENCES

1) How similar to my own are your voice and data network telecommunications recovery needs?

2) How long contracted with this provider?
 
3) Why was this vendor chosen? Others considered?
 
4) What did the selection process entail?
 
5) Provider and system strengths, weaknesses?
 
6) Experiences with telecommunications recovery activation?
 
7) Experiences with telecommunications recovery testing?
 
8) How often are plans updated?
 
9) Is service consistent?
 
10) Is there a liaison designated specifically for your company?

11) Have costs exceeded original estimates?
 
BUYER BEWARE

1) Ensure ISDN and switched digital services compatibility.
 
2) Investig ate upgrade potential before you buy. Make sure equipment will “grow” with you and won’t have to be scrapped when expansion is necessary. Maintain capacity.
 
3) Equipment drawing too much power can cause brown-outs, especially in disaster recovery situations

WHAT NEXT?

1) Request sample plans for comparison.

2) Request or create a matrix accounting for options for at-a-glance comparison of all solutions being considered.
 
3) After pre-qualifying vendor candidates, request a presentation at your facility.

4) Request written replies to follow-up questions not answered during vendor presentations.