Introduction to NonStop Operations Management

Contingency Planning
Introduction to NonStop Operations Management–125507
10-10
Backup Sites
Backup Sites
An important part of developing a recovery plan is determining whether or not your
company needs a backup site. A backup site is a second site that is available for use
when a disaster stops operations at your primary site. Depending on the type of backup
site, you can restart operations at the backup location within 10 minutes to 30 days. Your
company can maintain the backup site, or pay another company to maintain the site.
Backup sites can be:
•
Owned by a company for its own use.
•
Owned by several companies. Sites owned by several companies are called mutual
backup sites.
•
Leased from third parties that own the sites and provide contract disaster services. A
leased site is called a third-party backup site.
The backup sites should be equipped with all necessary hardware and software. In
addition, all sites should have:
•
Necessary data communications equipment. (If possible, arrange for backup lines in
case the main lines fail.)
•
Backups of databases, startup files, configuration files, and operations tools used to
simplify operations tasks.
•
Trained and knowledgeable people who can convert the site to a primary-processing
site.
If you decide to have a backup site, don’t forget to develop procedures for moving
primary processing to the backup site.
There are four major types of backup sites: cold sites, operational-ready sites, data-ready
sites, and online-ready sites.
Cold Sites
A cold site (sometimes called a cold shell) is an empty shell or building with power, air
conditioning, data communications lines, and water at the site. When a disaster occurs,
you move all necessary equipment, software, data, and personnel to the site. Plan on 20
or more days to make the cold site operational. Cold sites are practical when disasters of
major proportions occur. For disasters that last less than 30 days, a cold site is not viable.
Developing a plan for acquiring and installing equipment will help you use a cold site
effectively. You also need contracts or agreements with vendors so that equipment is
supplied when you need it.
Operational-Ready Sites
An operational-ready site (also known as a hot site) is a fully operational site. The site
has all the necessary hardware and software as well as support for daily operations such
as telephone and other systems crucial for the survival of your organization. You can use
the operational-ready site to perform low-priority processing during nondisaster periods.