It’s completely understandable for SMEs to assume their data is safer when stored on a server in the next room. It’s nearby, it’s in plain sight, it’s under my control. This, however, is not the case. In fact, because your data isn’t kept in a secure environment, with fail-safes and fully-accredited technicians on hand, it’s actually at great risk. Someone could hack into your server, sabotage your data or even spill a drink over the server itself – causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage and potentially losing all of your valuable data. This post is all about Data Centre Security and about the safety of your valuable information.
How safe is your data when it’s stored offsite in a data centre?
Power for a Data Centre
- Backup generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) keep everything in motion
- Enough power on tap to supply even the most power-hungry of server setups
- Designed for maximum power efficiency, each rack maximises available server space
- Each server is fed by separate Power Distribution Units, to guarantee a continuous power supply
Remember those fail-safes we spoke of earlier? Well, redundant power solutions are some of the most important failsafe that data centres put in place. They are also the ones that SMEs never think of. It’s no surprise though. We’re used to having access to electricity 24/7/365, so long as we’re close to a power outlet.
But what happens if a fuse is blown and the whole building loses power? What happens when the entire North West is suffering intermittent power outages due to bad weather or vandalism? You could lose thousands of pounds in lost productivity, all due to connection downtime. If there’s a local blackout, most on-site servers don’t have a backup generator powerful enough to sustain the server for very long. In fact, most on-site servers don’t have anything in place at all. That’s a worrying thought. Not only could you lose valuable data, but a disruptive and forced shut down due to a lack of power could wreak irreparable damage on your server.
We know how painful it is when you experience downtime. You can’t get any work done. You feel powerless. That’s why our data centres are equipped with high-capacity redundant power supply systems, which enable us to perform repairs on one network without having to turn anything off, such as servers or databases for instance.
This ensures that you can always access the data that matters to you the most.
We also provide Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to account for the delay encountered when starting up the standby diesel generators. These Uninterruptible Power Supplies also compensate for voltage and frequency fluctuations during normal operations, protecting sensitive computer electronic components and systems by ensuring that the quality of power remains consistent.
Oh and did we mention; these generators are capable of supporting the data centre indefinitely. So, even if the national grid goes dark, you won’t.
Data Centre Cooling
- Designed for maximum thermal efficiency
- Industrial grade air-conditioning removes hot air
- Air is blown through the servers from underneath, via the raised floor
- Smart control systems monitor everything from temperature to moisture
- The data centre adapts to the environment for maximum efficiency
Speaking of power, our high-density infrastructures can host even the most powerful of blade servers, with in excess of 15kw per rack available, instantly. That’s a whole lot of power. But how do data centres cool such powerful hardware?
Well, they are designed from the ground up with safety, security and efficiency in mind. The latter even incorporates thermal efficiency. That’s why data centres are built on raised floors with clever cable routing, to maximise airflow. These “aisles” give the chilled air a clear channel to reach each server, which is then blown upwards, dissipating heat and taking advantage of natural heat convection. This hot air is then removed by industrial-grade air-conditioning systems and the cycle repeats itself indefinitely.
Fire
Data centre operators take no risks. That’s why they fit every server hall with multiple early warning systems, like the world-class “Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus,” also known as VESDA. These highly sensitive smoke detectors continuously monitor their environment to detect the early stages of a potential fire, long before a traditional smoke alarm ever could.
In the unlikely event of a fire, the VESDA system activates environmentally-friendly, gas-based fire suppression systems, to quickly extinguish any fire.
Data Centre Security
- ISO 27001:2013 information security management certification
- PCI DSS compliant
- Site-specific, dedicated firewall technology
- Staffed 24/7/365
Speaking of fire, every data centre is protected by very powerful, site-specific, dedicated firewall technology. This firewall protects all your important data from cyber-criminals and hacking attacks. We also surpass all of the requirements for ISO 27001:2013 and PCI/DSS compliance, to keep your data safer than houses.
Then there’s everything we do to protect threats in the real world, such as real-time, around the clock monitoring and security. Because cyber-crimes don’t always occur online.
Peace of Mind
A cloud-based service can actually save money while offering improved functionality. You can boost productivity with features such as remote working or Virtual Desktop Infrastructures. First and foremost, however, cloud storage solutions give you peace of mind.
Get in touch with the Synextra team today if you have any questions about Data Centre Security. We will be happy to help.
