The DigiPlex approach to security and risk avoidance is multi-disciplined and multi-layered. The objective throughout is the permanently maintained secure uptime of our customers’ mission-critical equipment.

The starting point for Data Centre security assuredness and risk minimisation is location. DigiPlex undertakes rigorous site assessment studies as the foundation stone of its wall of data centre security.

Is the Data Centre site located in a safe area?  Is the location contaminated by local risks,  public highways or local low flight paths, fire risk neighbours, insecure utility supplies, or terrorist-target city centres?  A checklist of Telecom Industry Association recommendations is worked through before any location is classified by DigiPlex as safe and potentially secure.

Once site location criteria are satisfied, DigiPlex builds in additional security. Four distinct areas are separated out for disciplined attention: Physical, Operational, Data & Networks, and Works Control.

Physical
The physical isolation and strength of a Data Centre building is crucial. Properties that allow uncontrolled, unimpeded access to, and through, their perimeter walls are unsuitable for Data Centre use. All forms of unauthorised entry – accidental or deliberate – must be prevented from affecting data halls and their supporting M&E infrastructure plant. The majority of DigiPlex customer space is located below ground level, providing added environmental and EMP protection, as well as customer security.

DigiPlex Data Centres are protected with five concentric rings of security. From perimeter fencing, through ‘man-trapped’ Reception areas to access controlled modules, suites and lockable racks, a monitored hierarchy of protected zones safeguard customer equipment. DigiPlex specifications provide group-wide quality standards for all elements of this overall physical security hierarchy, including 24 x 365 manned guarding, monitored CCTV, access-control devices and customer bespoke arrangements.

Operational
DigiPlex operational security means the permanently assured uptime of customer equipment. This primarily requires uninterruptible power supplies and constantly controlled chilled data hall environments. The engineering systems that deliver these services must be regularly maintained but not at the cost of customer disconnection. DigiPlex therefore builds its Data Centres with concurrent maintainable infrastructure systems. In other words, every piece of equipment can be maintained without customer service interruption. To maintain the technically complex parallel Data Centre systems, DigiPlex utilises computerised planned maintenance programmes for the scheduling, delivery and completion recording of all plant maintenance activities.

Overall performance monitoring of the multiple DigiPlex Data Centre engineering systems is arranged through centralised building management systems (BMS) which are connected by telephone to DigiPlex’s on-site roving technicians and off-site system controllers. This linked network of robust, well-maintained plant, close performance monitoring and connected technicians is the key to DigiPlex’s exceptional uptime record.

Data & Networks
DigiPlex is a carrier-neutral company.   

DigiPlex Data Centres are able to provide multiple connections to local and international carriers including: BT, NTL Telewest (Virgin Media) Verizon, Telenor, Broadnet, Hafslund, Sonera/Telia, UPC, Bane Tele, TDC/Song, T-Systems and many other networks. The company does not have any tie-up with any single carrier.

Customer connectivity to networks is facilitated via shared Carrier Connectivity (CCR) or “Meet Me” rooms. Connectivity agreements are private to customers and their preferred carrier(s).

In supporting its customers to arrange network connectivity DigiPlex works in compliance with international standard ISO/IEC 27002:2005.

Works Control
The safest, most secure environment for ICT equipment is an undisturbed one. Challengingly, the ICT industry is never static - it is constantly evolving. Customer requirements flex and change as new equipment, processes and/or programmes are introduced. Ad hoc customer space, power, cooling or connectivity changes within any Data Centre are common. These ICT server changes frequently call for different service provisions within a Data Centre’s data rooms and halls. Such live Data Centre changes inevitably raise operating risks. The presence in a Data Centre of any new element – especially human – disturbs stability. Studies show that 60% or more of Data Centre ‘impact events’, where critical missions have been compromised, are associated with human activity. This activity includes routine switching and reconfiguration of critical systems, maintenance tasks and, of course, human error.

To control such risks, DigiPlex operates a web-based computerised Works Authorisation Programme. This risk control programme obliges the initiator of any Data Centre change to provide advance notice of proposed work plans, method statements and operator competence details for the Operations Head to review and approve. No Data Centre admittance, much less works, is permitted without DigiPlex cross-discipline notification and approval.

By following this process, DigiPlex delivers flexible customer service at the same time as preserving overall Data Centre security. Customer access to the Works Authorisation Programme is provided via the My Login website link.