AT&T Conducts First Network Disaster Recovery Exercise In State Of Ohio

CINCINNATI, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From floods to fires, thunderstorms to tornadoes, Ohio is well-accustomed to the unexpected natural and man-made disasters that can wreak havoc on day-to-day life. Recognizing the importance of crisis preparation in this region, AT&T* is conducting a Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) exercise in Ohio from July 31 to August 1.

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These exercises are conducted several times a year to simulate the recovery of a network office that failed due to a natural or man-made disaster. They are designed to test, refine and strengthen AT&T's business continuity and disaster recovery services in order to minimize network downtime when unforeseen disasters strike.

While this exercise typically targets large businesses and organizations, AT&T also recently launched an initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness for small businesses. The initiative, "Safeguard Your Business," provides small businesses with a single convenient destination for emergency and disaster preparation and planning, and offers a 10-question emergency readiness quiz. According to the Ad Council, nearly two-thirds of U.S. small businesses do not have an emergency or disaster preparedness plan in place, despite the fact that about one in four small businesses will experience a "significant" crisis in any given year (Association of Small Business Development Centers).

Meanwhile, the results of a 2012 study from AT&T indicate that business continuity planning is seen as a priority by most (82%) of local IT executives in Ohio. Almost all (87%) of these executive indicate that their companies have a business continuity plan, almost half (47%) of Ohio executives include Facebook in their business continuity plans, and six out of ten (61%) are using or considering using cloud services to augment their business continuity recovery strategy.

"Ohio businesses and organizations recognize the critical importance of ongoing investment in crisis preparation, and we're hopeful that they will continue in this direction," said Tom Pelto, AT&T Ohio state president. "AT&T is thrilled to conduct its first NDR exercise in Ohio to help ensure we're all as prepared as possible in the event of disaster in our area and beyond."

Business Continuity Study Key Findings
AT&T's 2012 Business Continuity Study found that businesses in Ohio are preparing for potential disasters and view network capabilities and complexities as key priorities to consider in business continuity plans.

• Business continuity planning is considered a priority by most (82%) IT executives in Ohio.
• Almost all (87%) of these executives indicate their companies have a business continuity plan.
• Six out of ten (62%) companies have had their business continuity plans fully tested in the past 12 months.
• Two-thirds (68%) of Ohio executives include their wireless network capabilities as part of the business continuity plan.
• Most frequently, Facebook (47%), LinkedIn (40%) and Twitter (34%) are part of the business continuity plan.
• Six out of ten (61%) are using or considering using cloud services to augment their business continuity recovery strategy.

For more information on the 2012 AT&T Business Continuity Study, including complete research results visit: http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=22863

Study Methodology
The results are based on an online survey of 101 Information Technology (IT) executives in Ohio. The study was conducted by Research Now with companies having total revenues of more than $25 million. Surveys were obtained between April 6 and 19, 2012.

AT&T NDR Program
Next week's NDR exercise in Cincinnati includes an extensive deployment of network recovery equipment. The exercise tests and refines the team's speed and efficiency in restoring wired and wireline network operations in the event of an actual disaster. Essential to AT&T's own comprehensive business continuity plan, the Cincinnati NDR exercise will feature eleven disaster recovery trailers and vehicles, including a technology trailer, emergency communications vehicles and a variety of smaller utility and support trailers, as well as a search-and-rescue dog team demonstration.

AT&T has invested more than $600 million in its NDR program, which includes specially trained managers, engineers and technicians, as well as a fleet of more than 320 self-contained equipment trailers and support vehicles that house the same equipment and components as an AT&T data-routing or voice-switching center.

More information on AT&T's NDR program is available at AT&T Network Disaster Recovery.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.