What is a fully operational offsite data processing facility called?

A fully operational offsite data processing facility is referred to as a hot site. This type of facility is equipped with all the necessary hardware, software, and infrastructure that allows it to immediately take over processing and support operations in the event of a disaster or failure at the primary site. Hot sites are typically utilized for business continuity purposes, ensuring minimal downtime and rapid recovery for critical systems and data.

In contrast, cold sites are generally just the physical space that can house IT equipment but do not have the computing resources readily available to start operations immediately. Warm sites offer a balance, providing some infrastructure and resources that can be activated more quickly than a cold site but are not fully equipped like a hot site. The term backup site might suggest a location for data backups, but it doesn't necessarily imply the level of operational capability found in a hot site. Thus, a hot site stands out as the optimal choice for organizations seeking rapid recovery and operational continuity.