Firelock - Fireproof Data Storage

A recently released study conducted by Verizon Business and the United States Secret Service shows that despite all the countermeasures applied to prevent data breaches, the problem is still wide-spread and costly.  The majority of the information lost was due to the concentrated efforts of criminal organizations.  These criminals utilize a variety of methods to acquire financial and other personal information, then sell this information on the black market for stolen identities, credit card numbers and banking information.

In some areas the study found that data theft had decreased from the previous study period, but this is probably due to the over abundance of credit card numbers and other information that has created a glut in the market.  The supply has outpaced demand to the extent that the price for such information has dropped below the point where it is profitable to steal more.  This is hardly good news for consumers.

This study underscores how critical it is for organizations to maintain control over their mission critical information.  Having a safe environment in which to operate IT equipment and store backup media is a major component in this equation.  That is where a Class 125 data vault can give security-conscious organizations an advantage.  These vaults are capable of protecting against catastrophic fires, stabilizing the interior climate, and improving physical security.  This secure environment combined with a well designed and implemented cybersecurity program mitigates the risk of data theft and loss.

For more information on the Verizon/Secret Service study, here is the link to the original article: http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2010/2010-data-breach-report-from.html

A nationwide network of offsite data protection firms is also able to provide disaster recovery services when their clients are in need.  Because these services are available through the Secure Media Vault Associates (SMVA) it is possible to utilize the facilities of an SMVA member in another region if the nature of the disaster requires temporarily relocating operations.  This gives DR planners much more flexibility and many more options when formulating their disaster response protocols.

Many of these companies have helped their clients through major natural disasters, long-term power outages, fires, etc.  In addition to traditional disaster recovery/business continuity services these locations are also able to host containerized data center modules, such as Firelock’s Secure Agile Vault Environment, or SAVE units. 

SMVA network members all offer their clients a much higher level of data protection than their competition.  Unlike the national chains of offsite data storage companies, these owner-managed independent companies in the SMVA network utilize Firelock Class 125 data-rated fireproof vaults with optimum environmental conditions for the protection of their clients’ data tapes.  In addition to protecting data backup tapes, these vaults are used to protect the IT equipment (for E-vaulting and co-location) that hosts their clients mission critical information.  They also utilize the latest technology in barcode tracking of media and GPS monitoring of their media transport vehicles. 

The standards of excellence they uphold in their data storage business are applied the their disaster recovery services.  These service capabilities combined with the flexibility of the many network locations gives SMVA clients unbeatable disaster recovery options.

Firelock will once again exhibit at the Professional Records and Information Services Management (PRISM) Conference in Reno, NV from May 11-13.  This event features seminars and a trade show for owners and managers in the offsite data storage services industry.  As a provider of the highest rated fireproof data vaults in the industry, we are always happy to meet offsite data storage service providers who are looking for a way to offer their clients the best data storage environment for their mission critical backup tapes and E-vaulting equipment.

Over the years a network of Firelock-equipped offsite storage companies all over the country has formed to offer customers with multiple locations in other cities the same level of protection at all locations by partnering with other network members.  This network, called the Secure Media Vault Associates (SMVA) is also able to share leads and ideas on best practices for information security and facilities management.  Firelock will be hosting a networking event and informal seminar for SMVA members and prospective members from 1:00-5:00 PM on May 10th.

Firelock will also be hosting roundtable discussions on marketing ideas for the offsite data storage industry and a seminar on “Making You a Better You” through networking and other beneficial business practices.  Hope to see you there!

One of the things data center operators frequently ask me is how we are able to maintain the integrity of the vault with their cooling system’s needs for coolant lines penetrating the vault.  The answer is the insulated pipe penetration assemblies we install to protect this critical area.  Without the ability to adequately cool the server room equipment the data center will not function properly, and if the server room is not protected everything is lost in a disaster.

One very attactive option for cooling is the LiquiCool® Rear Door Heat Exchanger (RDHx) system offered by Coolcentric.  This type of system utilizes the airflow generated by the server equipment to push the warm air through the radiator-like heat exchangers in the units that replace the rear doors of the server cabinets.  This cools the air before it exits the rack and keeps the temperature in the server room at optimum levels.  Coolcentric’s RDHx system is very energy efficient and reliable because there are no fans or other moving parts on the server cabinets.  A Coolant Distribution Unit monitors the temperatures within the individual racks and increases or decreases the flow of chilled water to each unit as needed to achieve maximum efficiency.  Over time the total cost of ownership of RDHx systems is lower than conventional HVAC systems due to the reduced power consumption.

Coolcentric offers this product with a coolant line manifold that is located inside the vault, so only a single pair of supply and return lines is needed to penetrate the vault structure to connect to the water chiller unit.  This is ideal for maintaining the integrity of Firelock’s Class 125 data vaults.  Of course the coolant penetrations are just one component of the total vault system.  The vault structure, doors, dampers and cable penetrations must all meet the stringent Class 125 rating (the ability to maintain the temperature below 125-degrees F. even if the exterior temperature reaches 2,000-degrees).  As the old saying goes, ” a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”  The same is true for data center design.  All components must work together to create a functional and safe environment for mission critical data center operations.

Over the past 25 years Firelock has built over 1500 modular fireproof vaults to protect data backup tapes, micrographic media, IT equipment and other heat-sensitive assets.  In that time very few of these vaults have had the same dimensions as previously installed vaults.  Each vault is custom-sized to fit in an existing room or to provide for the client’s exact interior space requirements.  When length, width and height is easily customized it creates an almost infinite number of  vault size permutations.  This is why it is easy for Firelock to customize the Secure Agile Vault Environment (SAVE) units for each customer’s needs.

Of course building inside a shipping container limits the vault dimensions to some degree, but containers can be had in multiple sizes and the length of the vault can be customized.  The standard SAVE unit is constructed with a 40-foot shipping container and allocates space for a vestibule in front of the vault and a mechanical room behind it.  It also includes eight server racks, an overhead cable management system, internal fire suppression, Vette’s LiquiCool Rear Door Heat Exchanger system and the HVAC equipment to support it.  The SAVE unit can be delivered with all of these components, some of these components, or with just the vault itself.  It’s all up to the customer.  For clients who just need a secure storage environment for other heat-sensitive assets in a portable package, SAVE units can be customized for their exact needs.

If the water chiller and support systems are not needed inside the SAVE unit, the mechanical room can be eliminated and the vault can be expanded into that area.  If the unit will always be operated in an indoor space, such as a warehouse, and weather protection and improved physical security is not required then the vestibule area can be eliminated.  If more space is needed outside the vault for an office area, the vault can also be made smaller to accomodate this requirement.

With a history of customizing fireproof vaults to fit each individual customer’s needs, Firelock is able to do the same for the SAVE solution.  Just as it is with all Firelock vaults–it’s all about the customer.

Many of the major server equipment manufacturers have recently been marketing the concept of a “data center in a box,” which is a shipping container filled with their IT equipment to create easily transportable data center modules.  This concept does have some advantages over traditional data center facilities, such as mobility, scalability and compact size.  However, these high-density modules are very much at risk of being damaged or destroyed by fire, intrusion or even adverse weather conditions.

To address these threats, Firelock has created the Secure Agile Vault Environment, or SAVE solution.  By using a 40-foot shipping container and installing a Class 125 data vault a much more secure environment is provided for mission critical systems.  The vault ensures that IT equipment will be kept safe even if exposed to the heat of a catastrophic fire.  Physical security is also greatly improved with the double door assembly.  The vestibule area in the front of the container allows the container to be sealed before opening the vault doors, so even the worst weather conditions are not a threat to the valuable servers.  The on-board mechanical room behind the vault contains the HVAC system, so only power and network communications need to be supplied to the SAVE unit.

Firelock has taken a vendor-neutral approach to the mobile data center module concept.  Eight standard server racks are in place and ready for any hardware manufacturer’s equipment.  To cool these racks the Vette LiquiCool Rear Door Heat Exchanger system is utilized.  This efficient and compact cooling system uses the airflow from the server units so no power needs to be supplied to these economical and maintenance-free units.

For more details about the SAVE by Firelock, click here for an illustrated presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFQ9bOuQub4

One of the most difficult aspects of server room design is managing the temperature inside this critical area.  As the density of server racks increases and the heat generated by the IT equipment escalates year over year it is no wonder data center designers must consider their cooling options carefully to maintain optimum server room temperatures.

One option we have found to be an excellent solution in high density data centers is the Vette Corporation line of rear door heat exchangers for server racks.  These systems cool the exhaust air from server cabinets before they enter the airspace within the server room by circulating chilled water through the unit.  Because this design utilizes the airflow from the fans in the server equipment there is no power consumption from the cooling units, resulting in significant operating cost savings.

To protect against ambient heat, especially in hotter climates, the R-33 insulation rating of Firelock vaults is a major advantage in maintaining the correct server room climate.  All cooling system penetrations in Firelock server vaults, such as for coolant lines and ducted air, are specially designed and installed to prevent the heat from a fire from damaging or destroying the most critical area of the data center.  And of course the vault structure and doors are capable of maintaining the temperature below 125-degrees F. for at least two hours (up to four hours in larger server vaults) even if the outside temperature reaches 2,000-degrees.  Heat must be held below this critical threshold to protect the IT equipment and the vital information it holds.  After all, mission critical data centers must be protected from all threats–from within and without.

Marketing to the Media Client is a complex initiative.  The client is sophisticated and mandates a higher level of commitment than the box document clientele.  Your competitors may deliberately make the pricing and service convoluted and this makes the client believe that changing may be a difficult task.  Too often larger competitors plant doubts in the minds of potential clients about your capability to handle this complex service. Chain of Custody, Security, Precise Environmental Control and Tracking Media in Rotation are critical issues. Your first client meeting and market reputation should immediately put these concerns to rest. In fact, you need to immediately make the client know that these are your specialties, not something you are unfamiliar with.

Too often service providers use a shotgun approach and hit nothing.  You must define the target you wish to acquire and develop a specific strategy that will accomplish this.  It is fine to say you want to hit the “Sweet Spot” but defining your ideal client varies from City to City, Region to Region and most definitely from Service Provider to Service Provider.  Your competition most assuredly will impact where your program can be most effective.

First and foremost, media vaulting is a visual sales approach. Clients will demand to tour your facility. Designing your facility so that a tour request is welcome news to your marketing team. Successful practitioners actually make selling the tour the first step in any client contact. Attempting to sell media storage based on price is foolhardy. You first sell the visit to your facility and position it as a facility of change and implementation.  IT Managers are technologists and welcome an opportunity to visit sophisticated technology in their region. Your goal is to point out that each feature was designed to offer a desired solution to specific client requests. Explaining how each and every design element is predicated on offering greater security, faster service and more reliable media life-spans for the client is your mission on “The Tour.” Your confidence in this facility should be such that the end of the “The Tour” does not end with a request for their business but for them to tour where they currently store their media. (more…)

Most data center and archive managers know how fragile magnetic media can be.  Storing media in the correct environment is critical to ensuring the information will still be there when it needs to be retrieved in the future.  Long term media storage requires not only the optimum temperature and humidity levels (typically 68-degrees F. and 30-40% R.H.) but a true Class 125 fireproof vault as well.  After all, what’s the point of maintaining the optimum climate for media for years and years if it can be destroyed in a few minutes?

That’s where Firelock’s modular fireproof data vaults can be the solution.  Countless corporations and public authorities have invested in a Firelock vault to ensure the survival of their archival and active media, even if their facility is struck by a catastrophic fire.  Not only do these vaults offer unsurpassed fire protection, they are ideal for media storage climate control.  The dry ceramic fiber insulation does not have the moisture-wicking problem associated with concrete or block vault constructions, and the R33 insulation rating adds to the vault’s efficiency.

The modular design allows vaults to be expanded as tape storage needs grow over time.  Firelock vaults can even be relocated if you have to move your data archive to a new location.  These qualities mean your vault will continue to be a secure investment over the long term, and the information on your media will be there when you need it.

In the 24-plus years Firelock has been building fireproof vaults to protect heat-sensitive assets some very interesting items have been entrusted to our vaults.  For example, George Washington’s personal papers and gavel from his presidency are stored in a bank’s Firelock vault in Washington, D.C.; the hat and coat worn by Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination, when they are not on loan to a museum; many New England towns protect their 17th century historic records and artifacts; several art collections owned by museums and private collectors; a multi-million dollar collection of Stradivari violins, and many other priceless historic artifacts.

With the new GSA Contract available to federal agencies it is even easier for government purchasers to acquire Firelock vaults to protect the countless collections of historic records and artifacts in their charge.  The vaults are available in two rating levels: Class 350 for paper documents and Class 125 for more heat-sensitive materials.  Click herefor more information about these ratings.  Our national heritage is certainly worth protecting, and Firelock vaults will continue to be an excellent way to fulfill this responsibility.