2009-11-09 15:41:04 -

Burton Group : , a research firm focused on in-depth analysis of enterprise information technologies, advises H1N1 is fundamentally different from other disaster scenarios and needs to be planned accordingly.

The potential for the H1N1 pandemic to disrupt the organization’s ability to effectively conduct normal IT operations is a substantial risk. H1N1 influenza is projected to infect between 10 percent

and 40 percent of the workforce, and business continuity plans need to reflect preparation for this scenario.

Several Burton Group analysts collaborated on the report titled “ IT Contingency Planning for H1N1 Pandemic : .” This document identifies steps that can be taken to support the organization by leveraging collaboration tools, data center automation, and an expanded program of remote access by employees and partners.

Phil Schacter, Burton Group security and risk management service director, said, “IT organizations can make significant contributions by providing the tools to allow the business to continue to function, even if parts of the business have been disabled by H1N1, and by preparing the organization to support employees who may need to work remotely to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.”


While staff absenteeism increases every year during the flu season, the current H1N1 pandemic is more severe and could affect the normal operation of a business. Employees working from insecure home networks and computers increase the risk of compromised accounts and passwords, and the spread of malware.

Burton Group report “ IT Contingency Planning for H1N1 Pandemic : ” is available for complimentary download now and is accompanied by a webcast summary for H1N1 planning : presented by Phil Schacter.

About Burton Group

Burton Group : ( www.burtongroup.com : ) is an IT research and advisory services firm that helps technologists make smart enterprise architecture decisions. Burton Group provides in-depth, IT research and advisory services to executives and technologists at Global 2000 organizations. Focused on strategic business technologies and the unique needs of enterprise organizations, Burton Group provides clients company-wide access to its world-renowned analysts and a suite of powerful, intuitive research and decision support tools unmatched in the industry.



Burton GroupCollin Searle, 801-304-8102PR Manager csearle@burtongroup.com : mailto:csearle@burtongroup.com