Forsythe Survey Finds Most Companies Expect a Pandemic, But Few Are Prepared.

SKOKIE, Ill. -- Please replace the release dated Sept. 6, 2006 with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.

The corrected release reads:

FORSYTHE SURVEY FINDS MOST COMPANIES EXPECT A PANDEMIC, BUT FEW ARE PREPARED

Survey findings released today by

Forsythe Solutions Group reveal that many organizations in the United States are unprepared for a pandemic event. The survey of more than 75 senior information technology (IT) and business continuity professionals at FORTUNE 1,000 and other major companies across the country found that 79 percent of respondents acknowledge that there is some likelihood that a disaster or crisis, such as the Avian influenza, will interrupt their business workflow over the next two years. But, only 9 percent have increased--or are in the process of increasing--their infrastructure technology budgets to prepare for such an event. And only 12 percent believe their organization is "adequately prepared to handle a pandemic or major health crisis such as the Avian flu."

Another finding is that 30 percent of respondents believe that between 60 and 100 percent of their employee population must be present in the primary workplace in order to maintain adequate business operations. This is troubling in the face of statistics outlined by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, which predict that up to 30 percent of the total population could be incapacitated by an H5N1 Avian flu outbreak, with businesses suffering from widespread disruption of commerce, and massive falloff resulting from reduced patronage and closure of public areas. It suggests that few companies are prepared for the incredible human resources challenge that could result from a widespread pandemic event.

One solution, of course, is for organizations to develop business continuity plans that enable their mission-critical business processes to be sustained by a primarily remote workforce in times of crisis. "Unfortunately, while IT organizations may be considering the demands of a remote workforce as they undertake infrastructure upgrades, businesses as a whole are not yet prepared to meet the same challenges presented by a prolonged workforce shortage," says Michael Croy, director of business continuity solutions for Forsythe Solutions Group. "Furthermore, even a 'presumably' prepared organization doesn't know for sure if its IT infrastructure can support it in the face of a pandemic since it hasn't yet been tested."

"The greatest business impact of a potential pandemic is the havoc that will be wreaked by absenteeism on the part of employees who are sick themselves, those who stay home to care for family members, and those who are quarantined or stay home to avoid becoming sick,'" continues Croy. "It is essential that organizations move beyond awareness to preparedness. In doing so, they should approach pandemic planning holistically, including IT and the business units as well as human resources and facilities management in every related discussion."

About Forsythe

Since 1971, Forsythe Technology Inc. has served as a technology infrastructure solutions provider, helping organizations across all industries, including Fortune 1000 companies, manage the cost and risk of their information technology. Acting as a trusted, independent advisor, Forsythe provides technology and business consulting services, technology leasing services, and value-added reseller services for all of the leading technology product manufacturers. Headquartered in Skokie, Ill., Forsythe employs more than 600 people in 36 offices throughout the United States and is employee owned. In 2005, Forsythe achieved its 35th consecutive year of profitability with revenues of over $517 million. Forsythe McArthur Associates Inc. and Forsythe Solutions Group Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Forsythe Technology Inc. For more information, visit www.forsythe.com.