Hot site definition
A hot site is an off-premises location where an organization can resume normal operations during a commercial disaster. All the equipment needed for the work to resume is available at a hot site, including phones, backup data, and computers. Hot sites provide a backup system for companies in case of extenuating circumstances or disaster and are an important part of a company’s business continuity and disaster recovery strategy (BCDR).
A hot site can also be defined as an off-site data-processing facility equipped with software and hardware. This facility may not have actual office space for employees to continue working.
How hot sites work
- Hot sites that contain office space are typically located outside of business premises, in a location employees can access.
- Hot sites are operated by a specialist company, not the businesses that use them.
- When a disaster occurs, those responsible for business continuity (BC) management communicate the next steps to the relevant company employees.
- The employees required to move to the hot site are instructed to do so.
- The process varies by business and depends on the disaster type.
Examples of business disasters
A business disaster is any event that interrupts a business’ normal operations. When a business disaster occurs, the business becomes unable to perform the most critical functions for a period of time. Examples of business disasters include:
- Cyberattacks.
- Natural disasters (e.g., flooding, wildfires).
- Power outages.
- Hardware failure.
- Military invasion.
- Disease outbreaks.
- Infrastructure breakdowns (e.g., communication networks).
