16th January: a&o Systems + Services UK Limited today announced it has achieved an international standard, 27001:2005, recognising its secure management of customer data and assets for its Managed Services offering.

a&o has demonstrated that it can ensure business continuity for its customers, securely managing data regardless of location, media or format. The standard provides guidelines in the development of robust controls of data and assets, reassuring customers that strict guidelines are met to ensure information security.

Paul Smith, quality manager at a&o said: “As business security and continuity become an ever greater priority, this accreditation is a solid indicator of how seriously a&o UK takes the care of customer data and assets. Business continuity planning is an integral to ensure the service provision to customers remains unaffected by unplanned outages and maintaining ongoing peace of mind. ”

The ISO 27001:2005 specifies requirements for the implementation of security controls that are customised to the needs of individual organisations. To achieve this standard, a business must ensure safety and security measures are in place to safeguard information and intellectual property assets.

This is the fourth ISO accreditation for a&o – it has already achieved BS EN ISO accreditations for Quality Management, Environmental Management, Integrated Management System.