Managing information systems’ contingencies in banks: a case study

As information systems (IS) become indispensable, EDP disaster recovery has to become an essential IS function. In this paper, after discussing the criticality of sound planning for information systems disaster recovery in banks, the approach to contingency planning adopted by Banca Commerciale Italiana, one of the largest banks of Italy, is presented. The most crucial point of the whole decision-making process was the selection of the most reliable layout configuration. Hence, the steps and the simulation methodology followed to such a purpose are illustrated. Finally the benefits and pitfalls of the solution adopted in Banca Commerciale Italiana are discussed.