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IDC PlanScape: Tabletop Recovery Exercises

Publisher IDC
Published Jun 27, 2025
Length 13 Pages
SKU # IDC20145621

Description

This IDC PlanScape provides CIOs, CISOs, and business leaders with a structured approach to launching or evolving their tabletop recovery exercise programs, covering why these exercises matter, what makes them successful, who needs to be involved, and how to use them as a lever for strategic improvement. According to Gerald Johnston, adjunct research advisor for IDC's IT Executive Programs, "A well-run tabletop exercise is the most effective way to prepare leaders for high-stakes disruption. It transforms disaster recovery from a policy into a practiced capability and turns uncertainty into readiness."

Table of Contents

13 Pages

IDC PlanScape Figure

Executive Summary

Why Are Tabletop Recovery Exercises Important?

What Are Tabletop Recovery Exercises?

Who are the Key Stakeholders?

How Can My Organization Take Advantage of Tabletop Recovery Exercises?

Plan with Purpose

Leverage Risk Assessments in Planning

Execute with Rigor and Flexibility

Include the Centralized IT Command Center

Clarify Roles Between the IT Command Center and the Security Operations Center

Develop Cross-Organizational RACI Charts

Debrief and Drive Improvement

Integrate Findings into Tools and Processes

Track Improvement Over Time

Make It Part of the Culture

Advice for Technology Buyers

Strategic Actions: Elevate Tabletop Exercises Beyond IT

Tactical Actions: Operationalize and Scale Tabletop Impact

From Event to Evolution

Related Research

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