Network Connectivity and Security - Technical Details.

Unlike most other hosting providers, we're provided with 24x7x365 redundant monitoring capabilities from two Network Operations Center (NOC) locations, staffed by certified system administrators and security professionals. The network management teams operate NOCs in Houston and Dallas to assure the most sophisticated and comprehensive systems monitoring, and complete monitoring back-up in the event of any emergency.

We're also provided with state of the art network monitoring software combined with highly defined monitoring and escalation procedures to ensure the highest standards for security, reliability, performance and systems availability.

• Redundant network cores in multiple data centers means that if a router or high-level network appliance goes down for any reason, there is no loss of service.
• Gigabit cross-connects between multiple data centers assures that data moves quickly. And if any one data center were to experience network connectivity issues, it would simply route outgoing data through other centers.

The system automatically measures the latency of key network routes and sends client data to the Internet along the best possible route.
 

High powered network speed and bandwidth

When it comes to network speed and bandwidth, we're equipped with the best. With an unrivaled 100 gigabits per second speed, bandwidth traffic jams and roadblocks are eliminated to assure high volume, instantaneous response for hosted applications.

By using multiple Tier 1 telecom providers and direct Internet connections, transit networks are bypassed and network paths are shortened between your IT infrastructure and your customers. The result is lower latency, maximum speed, and unsurpassed reliability. In short, the connectivity, bandwidth and stability provided here is something you simply can't find anywhere else.

Bandwidth Providers:

• AT&T
• AboveNet
• Savvis
• Verio
• Global Crossing
• Level 3
• Time Warner Telecom
• Cogent

The data center delivers superior connectivity for small and medium size business by:

• Leading the hosting industry in network bandwidth capacity (100 gigabits/sec)
• Always using fully redundant, world-class routing equipment. The network is designed without single points of failure — there are redundant core routers, core distribution switches, and carrier diversity. In the unlikely event of equipment failure, the network will continue to optimally perform.
• Purchasing bandwidth exclusively from Tier-1 providers so that customers don’t have to suffer from poor peering connections, sub-optimal routing paths, and congested or oversold networks.
• Selecting multiple bandwidth providers, ensuring outages outside of the network never result in outages in our customers systems
• Connecting directly with the Internet, bypassing transit networks and shortening the network path between the server, and the end-users computer. This results in lower latency and maximum speed.

Multiple-layer physical and network security

The data center takes network reliability and performance to the next level. Security protection is maximized by adding Cisco Guard and Arbor Peakflow protect against attacks that could be detrimental to your business. The data center combines cutting-edge security technology, best practices and a team of certified senior-level personnel to help ensure that your business can freely and safely flourish.

Physical Security Access to each data center is restricted by two factor authentication barriers plus continually monitored closed-circuit cameras trained on all entrances and common areas 24x7x365.

• Northern Proximity security badge entry/exit on all doors
• Motion sensitive cameras throughout all facilities

Network Security

• Cisco Certified Network
• Juniper M20 border routers
• Foundry Netlron XMR 8000

With multiple state-of-the art data centers located in Dallas and Houston, Texas, The data center provides On Demand IT Infrastructure backed by complete redundancy in power, HVAC, fire suppression, network connectivity, and security.

Currently managing 147,000 square feet of data center space in six facilities, the data center has an additional 30,000 square feet of data center space under construction. Each facility is wholly owned, managed and operated by them and is equipped to handle any challenge based on these unique advantages:

• Power systems at the data centers are designed to run uninterrupted - even in the unlikely event of a total power outage. For example, a state-of-the-art N+1 power generator architecture. In the event of any generator failure, back up power systems provide ample capacity to keep servers running.
• In an extended power outage, on-site diesel generators at the data centers can run indefinitely. Power generators receive regular preventative maintenance to ensure they will continue to function in any emergency.
• Every server is fed with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that assures service in the event of a power failure. The UPS power is N+1 redundant with instant failover coverage should the primary UPS fail.
• The data center HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems are N+1 redundant to ensure that in the unlikely event of an entire HVAC system failure, there is a duplicate system ready to assume the load.
• The data centers feature advanced fire suppression systems to keep any fires localized and prevent them from spreading.
• Preventative maintenance at the data centers is performed regularly by highly trained personnel to meet or exceed manufacturers recommended practices. These include quarterly generator maintenance, quarterly UPS maintenance and battery testing, and monthly HVAC maintenance.
• The data center is a member of The Uptime Network, a prestigious knowledge consortium where global standards and best practices are created and delivered to maintain system uptime.