World-class data centres

Designed to provide service continuity, no matter what, our online services infrastructure is housed in two multi-million pound, geographically dispersed, UK data centres.

Security

A number of security features protect the data centres from intruders or anyone masquerading as authorised personnel.

These include a secure visitor reception area, visitor ID checking and verification, 24-hour security guards, fully-monitored CCTV surveillance, intruder detection alarms and electronic door access control systems at every level.

Connectivity

The data centres are directly connected to the Internet backbone, with multiple, diversely routed, fibre connections providing high-speed, resilient connectivity and virtually unlimited bandwidth.

For greater resilience, Internet connectivity is provided by multiple suppliers, with Internet feeds load-balanced between the data centres and automatic failover. Each data centre can also terminate private customer circuits into Intercept’s MPLS cloud. This provides the ultimate in communications resilience.

Power

Continuous operation of all servers and other critical equipment, such as the environmental services, alarm systems, air conditioning and security systems is supported by a range of power resources and redundant systems.

Universal Power Supplies (UPS) and back-up generators automatically activate to ensure that there is no interruption to electrical services. The generators have a 24-hour run time and can be re-fuelled while in use. Refuelling priority, in the event of a disaster, is second only to government and military bodies.

Environmental

The data centres are temperature-controlled with liquid-cooled air chilling systems that supply cool air directly into all server cabinets, operating at maximum 80% capacity.

The system features N+1 operational redundancy and ensures that an average room temperature of 22°C (+/- 2°C) is maintained at all times.

Fire

Data centres have fire systems that conform to BS 5339 and Fire Officer/Building Control Officer requirements. They are also fitted with double-knock VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) systems.

The primary facility features a FM-200® gas discharge fire suppression system that is effective within 10 seconds of initial discharge. The secondary facility features a water mist fire suppression system, which is also highly effective, as well as being environmentally friendly.

Mechanical redundancy

All mechanical systems providing essential service operation within the facilities, such as power, air conditioning, security and fire detection and suppression systems, feature N+1 failover and redundancy.

This guarantees that systems remain operational in the event of any individual unit or service failing.

You are welcome to visit any of our data centres – just give us a call and we will arrange it.