In this newsletter

• Site relaunch
• Business Continuity Expo 

Site Relaunch

It has taken me a bit longer than expected but the new site is now live. As I mentioned in the last newsletter it was time for a refresh and the recent track-back spam issue provided the impetus to get it sorted.

So whats new?

Design

The site design is more or less the same as before with a few minor tweaks and additions. The main difference being the different approach to content, less superfluous news and more useful articles. 

BS25999 Content

Since the site was started BS25999 Part 2 has successfully launched. The first certifications are in, others are in the pipeline and both parts are enjoying greater circulation. The content in the BS25999 sections have been refreshed and bought up to date. Split into two parts, Part and Part 2, the content broadly follows the table of contents of both parts of the standard.  

Other Content

Apart from specific BS25999 content the site has a wide range of articles on the broader subject of business continuity and risk management. New or revised articles include;

Business Continuity Management

• How to Create a Business Continuity Training and Awareness Programme
• How to get the BS25999 standard
• A practical guide to business continuity planning 

Incident Management

• Media Communications Checklist
• Generic Incident Management Concepts 
• Time Zones, Daylight Saving and ISO Time Formats 

Communications

• Satellite Communications for Business Continuity Managers 
• How to Use 2 Way Radios Effectively 
• The Technologies for Communicating in a Crisis

Technical

• What's the Difference Between a Watt and a Volt-Amp?  

Risk and Security Management

• Choosing A Pas8w0rd 

Other 

• Useful Online Applications for the Business Continuity Manager 

File Library

There are now over 220 files in library, most of them new to BS25999.COM, you need to be logged in to see the files

Bookshop 

In conjunction with Amazon the BS25999.COM bookshop includes a variety of related titles.

Forum

There have been a number of requests for a BS25999 specific forum so I have implemented one.

User Registration 

After a thorough review of the existing users and some decidedly dodgy user-names, the migration process and the overall approach to site security I have decided the most straightforward way forward is to retain the same registration process but wipe the slate clean and start with a fresh user database. The only areas of the site that need users to be logged in is the forum and file library, everything else is open doors. The registration process is straightforward and we collect the minimum amount of information. If you do decide to re-register please ensure that you set This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it as a safe sender because the process uses system generated emails that can often be flagged as spam.

Apologies in advance for any inconvenience. 

BS25999 at Business Continuity Expo

Doing BS25999 well at Business Continuity Expo

"BS25999: Is it Worth Doing it Well?" This question is asked at paid-for Business Continuity Conference co-located with the free-to-attend Business Continuity Expo on 2 - 3 April 2008 at ExCeL London (http://www.businesscontinuityexpo.co.uk/bsvis). In a recent mini poll 63% of companies surveyed on the Business Continuity Expo website said they were considering certification to BS 25999. With the mass adoption of BS25999 underway, perhaps it is time to look at what organisation can really expect to get from it - beyond the rubber stamp.

Chaired by Julian Thrussell, BS 25999 Product Manager, BSI Management Systems UK and with participation from Roger McLoughlin, Continuity Risk Specialist, Vodafone as well as Gary Locker, Permanent liaison for ACPO and the Cabinet Office, the session looks at the accreditation process and some of the business advantages of BS 25999 certification. PJ di Giammarino, CEO, JWG-it also gives an exclusive presentation on ‘Some concerns over the use of BS25999'

With BS25999 parts 1 and pars 2 hailed as an important step allowing companies to demonstrate their ability to cope with major threats; as well as provide a management systems approach to business continuity management, taking a critical look at the benefits and opportunities certification provides organisations is becoming increasingly popular.

For more information about the paid-for Business Continuity Conference visit http://www.businesscontinuityexpo.co.uk/bsconf. If you are unable to attend the conference but wish to register for the free exhibition, please do so at www.businesscontinuityexpo.co.uk/bsreg