Business continuity enters new era.

Technology consulting firm Business Technology Partners (www.btp.net) and Eureka Networks, an integrated communications provider for businesses in the New York area, hosted a free networking breakfast and discussion forum titled The Dawning of a New Era in Business Continuity on Thursday, November 6.

Held at the Think Tank @ 100 William, the forum provided an opportunity for New York business leaders to network and learn about the new face of business continuity.

From the recent blackout and the 9/11 attack to natural disasters and network viruses, business leaders have discovered that business continuity is no longer just about technology. A good plan addresses all the issues of disaster recovery--transportation, logistics and, most importantly, people.

Exploring an integrated approach to running an operation that never shuts down, the forum examined the convergence of technology and business processes.

"As we New Yorkers should know from experience by now, business continuity is more than being prepared for the standard breed of emergencies. It means preparing your company for the unexpected; above a set of practices, it's a mindset. For that reason, business leaders need a place and a time, such as this networking breakfast, to come together and share ideas with regard to keeping their businesses running smoothly in the face of any kind of adversity," said Joe Gillette, president and CEO of Eureka Networks.

Featuring informative presentations, product demos and special break out sessions, the morning included a presentation from Pat Gambaro, the COO and executive vice president of the New York Board of Trade. He presented a case study on how the NYBOT survived the 9-11 terrorist attack and its subsequent move back to downtown New York in September 2003. In addition, Gregory Ferris, the executive director of Global Business Continuity for Morgan Stanley, discussed overall business continuity and disaster preparedness. Rounding out the forum was Joe Gillette, president of Eureka Networks, and Joshua Aaron, president of Business Technology Partners.

"Nationwide, there is a new emphasis on business continuity and disaster recovery planning, not only from a technology point of view, but also from a holistic point of view. Firms have to realize that they cannot rely on a magic bullet, a single expert, or an outsourced third party to protect them when times are tough. We are pleased to have this opportunity to present the forum with Eureka Networks and showcase different points of view about this issue to the business community at large," said Joshua Aaron president of BTP.