BSI ID: G 0.10

There are a large number of networks in a building that provide basic supply and disposal services and thus form the basis for all business processes of an institution, including IT.

Examples of such supply networks are:

• Electricity,

• Telephone,

• Cooling,

• Heating or ventilation,

• Water and sewage,

• Fire water supply,

• Gas,

• Alarm and control systems (e.g. for burglary, fire, building management systems) and

• Intercom systems.

The failure or malfunction of a supply network can, among other things, prevent people from working in the building or impair IT operations and thus information processing. The networks are interdependent to varying degrees, so that operational disruptions in any individual network can also affect others.

Examples:

• A failure of the heating or ventilation system can result in all employees having to leave the affected buildings. This can cause significant damage under certain circumstances.

• A power failure not only affects IT directly, but also all other networks equipped with electrically operated control and regulation technology. Even sewage pipes may contain electric lifting pumps.

• A failure of the water supply may impair the functioning of air conditioning systems.