CA Offers New Business Continuity Tool

Computer Associates International

BusinessContinuity@CA, released last week, acts as the hub of the network by collecting existing CA solutions such as eTrust security, Unicenter infrastructure and BrightStor storage management products, along with related non-CA products, into one central nervous system. The centralized interface makes it easier for system administrators to monitor networks, recover information and communicate recovery and continuity plans in case of an emergency, said Gary Layton, vice president of business continuity service at CA.

"BusinessContinuity@CA builds on current investments so a business doesn't have to reinvest in continuity solutions," Layton said. "This creates a living solution by automating the testing and reviewing procedures for the network."

Layton introduced the tool last week at the Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Conference, sponsored by CMP Media's Wall Street &Technology. A major factor in the success of any recovery and continuity effort is a company's ability to communicate its plan to employees, customers and media, said attendees and panelists at conference. BusinessContinuity@CA includes several data organization and communication components, Layton said.

"Having information and not doing anything with it is the same as not having it," he said. "Information is of little use if you can't communicate it."

Solution providers can also scale the tool to fit most businesses that require a continuity plan, Layton said.

"This builds on solution providers' core competencies and strengthens their relationship with customers," he added. "Solution providers have to address this market quickly. It represents one of the best opportunities out there."