Etisalat has been awarded the BS25999 – 2:2007 certificate for its business continuity management (BCM) practices, as part of its strategy to enhance business continuity and crisis management capabilities.

The certification covers the entire Etisalat mobile network services in the UAE, said a statement from the telecommunications company.

The certification was awarded by the BSI- British Standards Institution, with its audit team carrying out stringent certification audits in two stages in November and December 2011, the statement said.

Saeed AlZarouni, senior vice president, mobile network, Etisalat, said: “This certification is a proactive initiative from Etisalat to demonstrate its commitment to the UAE government and TRA requirements. The certification acknowledges Etisalat continuity, recovery and emergency response preparedness.”

By being part of the UAE Critical National Infrastructure, the certification process laid emphasis on continuity of Etisalat’s services to stakeholders and customers alike.

The BS25999-2:2007 certification is further assurance to customers that Etisalat’s risk management and incident response processes meet international standards.

“Through this certification, we are also contributing towards the nation’s strategy of an effective crisis management model, while ensuring compliance of all laws and regulatory requirements,” AlZarouni said.

“Any organisation that puts in place a business continuity plan is sending out a message that it can respond robustly to disruptions,” said Theuns Kotze, regional director MEA, BSI.

“BS 25999, the standard for Business Continuity Management, not only gives Etisalat a competitive edge, but BSI’s certificate allows Etisalat to demonstrate customers, key stakeholders that tested business continuity management is in place,” added Kotze.

The certificate was presented by Theuns Kotze, regional director MEA, BSI, to Fadhil Alansari executive vice president, engineering from Etisalat, at a gathering which took place recently at Etisalat’s Mobile Network Operations Center in Dubai. – TradeArabia News Service