What is IT Service Continuity Management (ITSCM)

As technology is a core component of most business processes, continued or high availability of IT is critical to the survival of the business as a whole. This is achieved by introducing risk reduction measures and recovery options. Ongoing maintenance of the recovery capability is essential if it is to remain effective.

The purpose of ITSCM is to maintain the appropriate on-going recovery capability within IT services to match the agreed needs, requirements and timescales of the business.

ITSCM includes a series of activities throughout the lifecycle to ensure that, once service continuity and recovery plans have been developed, they are kept aligned with Business Continuity Plans and business priorities. The maintenance of appropriate ITSCM policy strategies and ITSCM plans aligned with business plans is key to the success of an ITSCM process. This can be accomplished by the regular completion of Business Impact Analysis and Risk Management exercises.