Best Approach to Obtaining Senior Management Support for a Warm Site

C.

Business case development, including a cost-benefit analysis, will be most persuasive to management.

A risk assessment may be included in the business ease, but by itself will not be as effective in gaining management support.

Informing management of regulatory requirements may help gain support for initiatives, but given that more than half of all organizations are not in compliance with regulations, it is unlikely to be sufficient in many cases.

Good metrics which provide assurance that initiatives are meeting organizational goals will also be useful, but are insufficient in gaining management support.

A warm site is a backup data center or facility that can be used in case of a disaster or an unexpected event that impacts the primary facility. Establishing a warm site requires significant investment in terms of resources, infrastructure, and personnel. Therefore, obtaining senior management support for such a project is crucial.

Out of the given options, developing a business case is the BEST way to obtain senior management support for establishing a warm site.

Developing a business case involves creating a persuasive argument that explains the benefits, costs, and risks associated with establishing a warm site. A well-developed business case can convince senior management of the importance of establishing a warm site by showing them the potential return on investment (ROI), the cost savings, and the risk mitigation benefits.

For instance, a business case for a warm site can include the following:

1. Identification of the critical systems and services that need to be protected in case of a disaster or unexpected event.
2. A detailed analysis of the potential impact of a disaster on the organization's operations, reputation, and financial health.
3. A comparison of the costs of establishing a warm site versus the potential costs of not having one.
4. A projection of the ROI associated with establishing a warm site, including cost savings due to reduced downtime and operational disruptions.
5. A risk analysis that identifies potential threats and vulnerabilities and the impact of a disaster on the organization's operations.
6. A summary of regulatory requirements and industry best practices that recommend the establishment of a warm site.
7. A detailed plan of the warm site infrastructure, including its location, resources, and personnel requirements.

By presenting a well-developed business case, senior management can make informed decisions about the establishment of a warm site. They can assess the benefits, risks, and costs associated with the project and determine whether it aligns with the organization's overall strategy and goals.

In conclusion, developing a business case is the BEST way to obtain senior management support for establishing a warm site. A well-developed business case can convince senior management of the importance of the project and its potential benefits, costs, and risks.