Redundant Site Considerations

(OBJ 3.4)

Redundant Site

• Backup location or facility that can take over essential functions and operations in case the primary site experiences a failure or disruption
• Choosing the appropriate site/sites is a decision for senior managers, considering various business needs and scenarios.

Types of Continuity Locations

• Hot Sites
  • A fully equipped backup facility to swiftly take over in case of a primary site failure or disruption
  • Up and running continuously, enabling a quick switchover
  • Requires duplicating all infrastructure and data
    • "Having two of everything"
    • With cloud computing this has become much more easier, because now you can have your servers hosted online at multiple locations simultaneously using AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud
    • Cloud computing makes hot sites more accessible, however, it does not encompass all of its needs
  • Expensive, but provides instant availability
  • A cloud hot site offers fast data recovery but is better suited for mission-critical functions.
    • Not used for everything that needs redundancy
    • A full hot site may be used for servers and not for employees
• Warm Sites
  • Not fully equipped, but fundamentals in place
  • Can be up and running within a few days
  • Cheaper than hot sites but with a slight delay
  • Warm sites may provide essentials like power, phone lines, and network connectivity
    • We may have to buy some extra equipment to set up the warm site
  • In a Hybrid model, critical employees go to a hot site, while the rest relocate to a warm or cold site as part of the DRP
• Cold Sites
  • A site with no immediate equipment or infrastructure but can be transformed into a functional backup facility
  • Fewer facilities than warm sites
  • May be just an empty building, ready in 1-2 months
  • Cost-effective but adds more recovery time
• Mobile Sites
  • Can be hot, warm, or cold
  • Utilizes portable units like trailers or tents
  • Offers flexibility and quick deployment (e.g., military DJC2)
  • Example:
    • Deployable Joint Command and Control system.
    • Support up to 200 people
    • Ready in about 72 hours

Virtual Sites

• Leveraging cloud-based environments for redundancy
• Virtual Hot Site
  • Fully replicated and instantly accessible in the cloud
  • Ready to take over in the event of a failure at the main site
• Virtual Warm Site
  • Partially replicated and scalable
  • Involves scaling up resources when needed
• Virtual Cold Site
  • Minimizes ongoing costs by activating resources only during disasters
• Offers scalability, cost-effectiveness, and easy maintenance

Platform Diversity

• Critical for effective virtual redundant sites
• Diversify operating systems, network equipment, and cloud platforms
• Example:
  • Network redundancy includes:
    • Microwave link
    • Local cable connection
    • Cellular modem
  • Cloud-Provider Platform Diversity
    • Entails spreading resources across multiple cloud providers or regions, reducing the risk of a single platform outage
  • Using different systems and infrastructure:
    • If your primary site uses a Cisco based network, your redundant site might choose to use a different router/switch provider.
    • Prevents localized vulnerabilities on specific systems.
• Reduces the risk of a single point of failure
• Ensures resilience and adaptability in case of disruptions

Geographic Dispersion

• Spreading resources across different locations for higher redundancy
• Mitigates the risk of localized outages
• Enhances disaster recovery capabilities

Considerations for Redundant Site Selection

• Think about technology stack, people's workspace, and long-term support
• Determine which type of redundant site suits your organization's needs
  • Weigh the risks and rewards to determine the best approach for the organization
• Ensure continuity of essential functions and services in the event of disruptions