IBM sets up first BCRS in Pakistan

The IBM has set up its first business continuity and recovery services center (BCRS) in Pakistan.
This was 149th international center and first in Egypt, Middle East and Pakistan. Speaking at a launching ceremony here on Friday, the IBM country general-manager Humayun Bashir highlighted the risks and threats organisations face in today's competitive and networked environment.
He said IBM is able to draw more than 35 years of experience in assisting clients to develop and implement their business continuity strategies and plans.
BCRS expert Mike Moriarty provided a global insight into business continuity planning and IBM's business resilience model.
In this connection, the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) is the first bank in Pakistan who has signed a five-year agreement with the IBM's BCRS to cater their business continuity requirement.
Ayaz Ahmed, SEVP, CFO and IT Group Executive of HBL, emphasised on expanding reliance of banking processes on IT infrastructure and the need for business continuity programs.
He explained reasons for selecting the IBM as the partner in providing BCRS and the confidence and trust the bank has in the capabilities of IBM in assuring continuity of bank's business processes.
Aftab Mustafa Khan, Accounts Director of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), said the IBM BCRS is in line with the SBP guidelines on business continuity planning.
He appreciated efforts of the IBM in providing global expertise and transfer of technology in the areas of business continuity plan and delivery of BCRS.