Access controlled data centre

Access & Identity Management Handbook 2017 Editor's Choice, Access Control & Identity Management, Integrated Solutions, Products & Solutions

Cogent Communications was planning to open its 18th data centre in Europe when a unique opportunity emerged near Amsterdam: a large data centre had moved to a new location. That made property available that already contained the necessary security and technical infrastructure and only needed to be upgraded to the latest technology.

In terms of construction and security technology, the location met the high standards set by Cogent. Its strategic position close to the capital and its proximity to a large international airport proved to be deciding factors. After considering potential alternatives, an easy decision was made to select this location and the property was acquired.

The next step was to prepare the premises and ensure it was operational as soon as possible. A considerable part of the technical infrastructure was already in place and what was lacking was added, alongside Cogent’s own systems that had to be installed and organised.

“We were excited as a company to officially open the data centre to our customers as soon as possible. Fortunately, we already had a business relationship with Tyco in the United States. Through this connection, we were able to quickly make contact with the Dutch account manager and the team was able to complete the project within just three months,” explained Richard Rademaker, director of data centre operations for Cogent.

The solution

Cogent is a multinational Internet service provider that prides itself on offering the best value in the market to its customers while setting very high standards for network performance.

Cogent strives to create a very high degree of standardisation in its data centres to simplify maintenance and management: one of the biggest cost items in the sector. That is why Cogent turned to Tyco for the integral physical security solutions as they have been responsible for the security systems in all of Cogent’s data centres in the United States.

Before a detailed plan could be formulated, an extensive inventory of the existing security measures was carried out. For days, a team of specialists meticulously studied the resources already installed, ascertaining their specifications and assessing whether they could be used in the new security plan.

Based on this survey, Tyco consultants developed a plan of action to deploy an integrated solution using the existing fire alarm system alongside new intercom, video surveillance systems, intruder detection and an access control system using card readers.

Flexibility delivers advantages

By taking a flexible approach, the existing cables and as many components as possible were retained in the new system, resulting in significant cost savings and a lower total cost of ownership. The extensive knowledge, experience and flexibility of Tyco’s consultants ensured that the security plan met the strictest modern requirements and was installed as quickly as possible.

The company chose to deploy access control using C•CURE 9000 from Software House. With this centralised enterprise solution, the access control is fully managed from Cogent’s Network Operations Centres (NOC) in Washington DC in the USA, Frankfurt in Germany and Madrid in Spain. The high degree of standardisation that Cogent strives for with its security access systems also has its advantages here; simplifying the process of providing access privileges to employees so that it is fast and efficient to manage. With standardised systems and processes across data centres in Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt and throughout the United States, the system is highly streamlined and can be operated easily and quickly.

Physical security constitutes an increasingly important aspect of data centre operations. After all, the economic value of data increases as additional applications are developed.

No one stops to think that every smartphone app or every photo that is backed up in the cloud is found somewhere in the world on actual physical servers and storage that are connected via thousands of kilometres of cable. Cogent Communications and Tyco’s partnership helps to safeguard these files, ensuring they are stored safely and easily accessible whenever they are needed.

For more information contact Tyco Security Products, +27 (0)82 566 5274, [email protected], www.tycosecurityproducts.com



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Secure, modernise and optimise CCTV
Surveillance Products & Solutions
Industrial and commercial organisations are navigating complex digital transformation processes. With SecuVue, companies can bridge the gap between operational technology and information technology for safer, smarter operations.

Read more...
South African fire standards in a nutshell
Fire & Safety Editor's Choice Training & Education
The importance of compliant fire detection systems and proper fire protection cannot be overstated, especially for businesses. Statistics reveal that 44% of businesses fail to reopen after a fire.

Read more...
LidarVision for substation security
Fire & Safety Government and Parastatal (Industry) Editor's Choice
EG.D supplies electricity to 2,7 million people in the southern regions of the Czech Republic, on the borders of Austria and Germany. The company operates and maintains infrastructure, including power lines and high-voltage transformer substations.

Read more...
Water mist for optimal fire suppression
Fire & Instrument Services Fire & Safety Products & Solutions
Building owners, facility managers and other professionals are seeking fire suppression solutions that can meet the demands of modern buildings and facilities, including reduced water usage and environmental impact, while providing the necessary protection for assets and business operations.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
Fire & Safety Associations Editor's Choice
In previous articles in the series on fire standards, Nick Collins discussed SANS 10400-T and SANS 10139. In this editorial, he continues with SANS 322 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Hospitals.

Read more...
Wildfires: a growing global threat
Editor's Choice Fire & Safety
Regulatory challenges and litigation related to wildfire liabilities are on the rise, necessitating robust risk management strategies and well-documented wildfire management plans. Technological innovations are enhancing detection and suppression capabilities.

Read more...
Smoke 'em out
Fire & Safety Products & Solutions
The moment an intrusion is detected, Smoke Screen’s high-powered fog cannons activate, flooding the area with a dense, harmless fog that reduces visibility to near zero within seconds.

Read more...
IoT innovation in water mist fire protection
Fire & Safety Products & Solutions IoT & Automation
Marioff, a provider of water mist fire protection, has introduced an Internet of Things (IoT) solution designed for high-pressure water mist systems, enabling real-time monitoring, smart alerts, and centralised control.

Read more...
Advanced fire safety solutions
Fire & Safety Products & Solutions
With fire incidents on the rise, it is crucial to choose fire safety solutions that are proven, reliable, and capable of providing early detection and efficient response.

Read more...
Nice unveils MyNice Smartgo
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Nice SA has announced the release of MyNice Smartgo, a compact access automation solution, designed specifically for the South African market, combining an easy-to-install device with a user-friendly smartphone application.friendly smartphone application.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.