Alexandria, VA - ASIS International and BSI British Standards will collaborate on the development of a Business Continuity Management (BCM) American National Standard. The standard will be based on the recently published British Standard, BS 25999 standard (Part 1 – Code of Practice; Part 2 – Specification), eliminating confusion in the marketplace by providing a unified approach to BCM on both sides of the Atlantic.

The new American National Standard will provide a clear roadmap for developing, implementing and improving the effectiveness of an organization's business continuity management plan. It will provide criteria that can be objectively audited by third parties, thereby assuring company stakeholders that an appropriate BCM plan is in place.

There will be reciprocation between the two standards, allowing companies to start building their BCM programs immediately, without having to wait for the new American National Standard.

"This business continuity standard will assist organizations to put into place a comprehensive plan for preparedness, which will address the intent of Title IX, a government initiative promoting private sector business continuity management," said Mark Geraci, CPP, chairman of the ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines.

Mike Low, director of BSI British Standards, said, "BS 25999 Parts 1 and 2 have been very successful in assisting businesses improve their preparedness for both anticipated and unexpected events. I am pleased that BSI can contribute to the production of this American National Standard."

ASIS will establish a technical committee comprised of business continuity program managers, service providers and other interested parties to develop the standard. For more information, write to standards@asisonline.org.