BP: Skype Is Central To Our Emergency Planning

Yep, you’ve heard it right. Skype, the lowly softphone that was, has become so ubiquitous that BP have given it a central role in it’s disaster planning.

BP suffered extensive damages during the 2005 hurricane season when one of it’s refineries was struck killing 15 workers and sending global oil prices through the roof. As a result, BP initiated a review of their emergency planning with a focus on communications.

The outcome, BP will combine Skype and eFax to create a road warrior kit intended to keep lines open during emergencies. And now for the clincher:

“We like Skype because it does not rely on infrastructure,” says Ted Davis, group telecom director at BP.

That says it all.

[via ComputerWeekly]