Swine Flu: Do IT Companies Have Preparedness Plans?

With increasing reports about the spread of the swine flu, IT companies are starting to look at their preparedness plans to ensure business continuity if the virus continues to spread. A true pandemic could cause absenteeism rates of 40 percent or higher, according to Gartner analysts.

Clusters of infections have been cited in a number of states, including California, New York and, most recently, New Jersey. A 23-month-old boy died Wednesday from this strain, and numerous deaths have occurred in Mexico, believed to be the epicenter of the disease. In 1976, a related strain of swine flu broke out but quickly petered out after much notoriety. The trouble is that epidemiologists cannot predict whether this outbreak will do the same or take a more virulent path.

"The recent outbreaks of swine flu are highlighting the need for organizations to have pandemic plans that address workforce absenteeism rates of 40 percent or higher and stress the central role of IT to remain in operation during pandemics," said Rick DeLotto, principal research analyst at Gartner. "There are currently 20 laboratory-confirmed human cases in California, Texas, Ohio, Kansas and New York, and one in Europe, Spain. With luck, this will be a very minor event as according to the World Health Organization (WHO): 'laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.' "

Among Gartner's recommendations are downloading the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's "Pandemic Flu Exercise of 2007 After Action Report," and disseminating it to employees.

In addition, Gartner suggests identifying existing and projected critical skills shortages and initiating staff cross-training, testing and certification. That includes ensuring that cross-trained personnel are given the appropriate access rights.

A number of IT companies have plans in place.

"All IBM client-support operations worldwide continue without disruption. IBM has been preparing for a potential influenza pandemic since 2005 when worldwide concerns about avian influenza surfaced and is closely monitoring the current situation involving the A (H1N1) swine flu strain," said an IBM spokesman.

Xerox, for its part, has implemented the appropriate portions of its influenza pandemic plan. The vendor has instituted travel restrictions to/from Mexico, advised against personal travel to Mexico and issued surgical masks to employees in many Mexico locations. Further, Xerox Mexico has implemented "social distancing strategies," strict hygiene and sanitation practices. The company also is urging that those feeling ill stay at home and confer with their physician.

Some other companies are not practicing restrictive measures, however.

Dell's Health Services staff maintains regular contact with local public health authorities and will continue to actively monitor the situation, said a spokesman, but although the vendor has a pandemic flu plan, it has not yet instituted any travel restrictions. Dell said it has communicated with employees regarding the situation, provided links to helpful information and will continue to monitor information from the WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and local health districts.

Likewise, NetApp is monitoring the situation. "NetApp has an integrated team including members of safety and security, HR and business planning/continuity to address employee safety as well as business continuity in the event of a disruption due to a health emergency, natural disaster or other scenarios," Eric Brown, vice president, corporate relations, said. "That team and others continually monitor updates from the WHO and the CDC to make sure our employees are out of harm's way and our business is safeguarded."

Joseph F. Kovar, Michele Masterson & Richard Whiting contributed to this story.

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