RTO – Recover Time Objective

RTO – Recover Time Objective

The maximum length of time allowed between an unexpected failure and the continuation of normal operations.

RTO determines the point in time after a failure at which the consequences of the interruption become unacceptable.

A business impact analysis, or BIA, should include a RTO along with the business continuity planner.

In addition to the RTO the RPO (Recover Point Objective), the acceptable amount of data loss, should be considered.

RTOs should not be expected to mandate a recovery given by a date, and it is possible the RTO may not be met, but the value of including an RTO in a BIA is the resulting anticipation of an unexpected failure by pre-panning.