How to Evaluate BC/DR Consultants

When looking to outsource business continuity or disaster recovery functions, many managers find it tough to find a consultant who is the right fit. There are plenty of them out there, but can you tell which one is right for your business?

In a new article on the CSO website, Stacy Collett looks at the best way to evaluate BC/DR consultants. She says BC services represent a $3 billion to $4 billion business, and 28 percent of companies manage their business continuity plan with the assistance of an external provider.

How can you be sure that the consulting firm has the expertise to fill in your business continuity gaps? Collett offers five questions to ask, including:

1. Do you know what you need?
Good BC/DR planning starts with understanding what your exposures are and making a good decision on recovery strategy. Look for a consultant that will help you build a solid strategy first.

2. Will the firm present several options?
Collett says there are a lot of options out there, and consultants should present several options for business continuity solutions.

3. Are the consultants certified in business continuity planning?
Certification ensures that business continuity consultants are well-versed in all aspects of BC/DR planning.

4. Are they willing and able to prioritize?
You can save a lot of money by evaluating your BC/DR priorities, Collett says, and a consultant should be able to help you do that.

5. Do they offer BC/DR solutions to fit your budget?
Consultants should know your business well enough to understand budget constraints and your immediate BC/DR needs.