WAYNE, Pa. -- Troubling Differences Found between Executives' Perception and Reality

The results of a national survey released today, show a significant difference between perception and reality regarding the disaster preparation of Fortune 1000 companies, according to C-suite executives. The study, commissioned by SunGard Availability Services and conducted by Harris Interactive, found potential deficiencies in companies' ability to access business-critical information when faced with power outages, natural disasters, hackers and computer viruses.

"The results of this study have revealed some disturbing facts about the disaster preparation and business continuity planning of some of our country's largest businesses," said Jim Simmons, group chief executive officer of SunGard Availability Services. "Problems continue to exist in several key areas of disaster preparation, yet it seems as though firms are not making a significant effort to address these issues."

The survey revealed that when asked to grade their company's ability to access business-critical information quickly after a disaster, executives gave themselves an average of B. While a slight upgrade over last year's grade of C+, the perception doesn't match the reality of the situation.

In wake of the third anniversary of 9/11, executives say their companies are less prepared to deal with a disaster than they were just one year ago. In 2003, 67 percent of those surveyed revealed that their company was more prepared to deal with a disaster than it was prior to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The 2004 study revealed that 58 percent feel more prepared than they were prior to the Blackout of August, 2003. In addition, the survey concludes 38 percent of companies are not increasing financial resources allocated to address this issue.

According to the Harris Interactive survey, 22 percent of executives stated that their company did not meet regulatory requirements for business continuity, information security and/or electronic records retention.

"Considering that 92 percent of executives surveyed represent publicly held companies, the issue of non-compliance is a huge concern, especially given the elevated state of national security in the U.S.," added Mr. Simmons.

Computer Hackers and Power Outages Top-of-Mind

--Hackers are a bigger threat than ever. Thirty-six percent of executives stated that their company considers computer hackers to be the biggest threat to their access to business-critical information.

--The concern over power outages has doubled in the past year and now is the primary concern for 20 percent of executives. Power outages caused the most recent disruptions in the past year. Thirty-three percent report that power outages were responsible for their last disruption in technology services.

--Viruses/security breach and hardware failure followed closely behind at 22 percent each.

Additional highlights from the survey include:

--Fifty-four percent of executives surveyed admitted to experiencing a disruption of their technology services in the past year.

--While companies have realized that disruptions occur, 30 percent have not tested their systems to assure access to business-critical information in more than six months. Ten percent have not tested these systems in more than a year.

--Fifty-six percent admitted that their company's board discusses policies regarding access to business-critical information either not very often or not at all.

About SunGard Availability Services

SunGard Availability Services is the pioneer and leading provider of information availability services, helping to ensure that more than 10,000 clients in North America and Europe have access to their business-critical information systems. With over three million square feet of hardened facilities, SunGard offers a complete range of information availability services for more than 30 technology platforms, from 48-hour disaster recovery hotsites to always-on, high-availability infrastructure, co-location and electronic vaulting services. SunGard also provides technology and systems management services for application and data center outsourcing, as well as business continuity consulting services and planning software. For more information about SunGard Availability Services, visit www.availability.sungard.com or call 1-800-523-4970.

About SunGard

SunGard is a global leader in integrated software and processing solutions, primarily for financial services. SunGard also helps information-dependent enterprises of all types to ensure the continuity of their business. SunGard serves more than 20,000 customers in more than 50 countries, including the world's 50 largest financial services companies. SunGard (NYSE:SDS) is a member of the S&P 500 and has annual revenue of $3 billion. Visit SunGard at www.sungard.com.

About Harris Interactive(R)

Harris Interactive (www.harrisinteractive.com) is a global research firm that blends premier strategic consulting with innovative and efficient methods of investigation, analysis and application. Well known for The Harris Poll(R) and for pioneering Internet-based research methods, Rochester, New York-based Harris Interactive conducts proprietary and public research to help its clients around the world achieve clear, material and enduring results.

Harris Interactive combines its intellectual capital, databases and technology to advance market leadership through its U.S. offices and wholly owned subsidiaries: London-based HI Europe (www.hieurope.com), Paris-based Novatris (www.novatris.com), Tokyo-based Harris Interactive Japan, recently acquired U.S.-based WirthlinWorldwide (www.wirthlinworldwide.com) and through a global network of affiliate firms.

About the survey:

Harris Interactive conducted this survey by telephone within the United States between July 26 and August 27, 2004, among a nationwide sample of 50 Fortune 1000 C-suite executives. The 2003 telephone survey was conducted within the U.S. between May 16 and June 20, 2003, among a nationwide sample of 52 Fortune 1000 C-Suite executives.

In theory, with a probability sample of this size, one can say with 95 percent certainty that the results for each of the 2003 and 2004 samples have a statistical precision of plus or minus fourteen percentage points of what they would be if the entire Fortune 1000 C-Suite executive population responsible for information availability decision-making within their company had been polled with complete accuracy. Unfortunately, there are several other possible sources of error in all polls or surveys that are probably more serious than theoretical calculations of sampling error. They include refusals to be interviewed (non-response), question wording and question order, interviewer bias, weighting by demographic control data and screening (e.g., for likely voters). It is impossible to quantify the errors that may result from these factors.

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