What is a key characteristic of a hot site in disaster recovery?

A hot site is characterized by having full operational capabilities, which means that it is always ready to go and can take over business operations immediately in the event of a disaster. This site is equipped with the necessary hardware, software, and data to quickly resume normal operations, ensuring minimal downtime for the organization. Hot sites are maintained in a state that allows them to mirror the primary site, including real-time data replication, allowing businesses to restore operations with little to no delay.

This immediate availability contrasts with other types of disaster recovery sites. For example, a cold site may require significant setup time for installation and data restoration, while a warm site may have some operational capabilities but is not fully configured at all times. In addition, a hot site ensures that more than just critical data is maintained, as it typically includes a full range of applications and data to support all operational requirements. Minimal infrastructure would not satisfy the needs of a hot site, as it necessitates a robust framework to allow for uninterrupted service in case of a disaster.