HIPAA News

Ultra-Secure Data Center Protects Medical Records and Other Critical Information

(Dec 10, 2008)-- Integris Tech has just opened a new data center with something no one else in the region can offer: a true data-rated fireproof server vault for managed hosting and co-location services, otherwise known as the ICON, Integris Co-Location Network. After extensive testing with temperatures up to 2,000 degrees F. outside the vault, the FIRELOCK modular server vault is capable of keeping the interior temperature below 125-degrees F. for at least three hours. It is critical to keep server equipment below the temperatures where data can be lost, especially for managed hosting/co-location firms with clients like Integris.

Preserving the data in their facility is critical because about 90% of Integris clients are in the healthcare industry. The hospitals, clinics, physician networks and other healthcare providers served by Integris must protect their patient information to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Loss of patient data could also have dire consequences for the patient, and by extension, the healthcare provider. With the installation of the Class 125-3 Hour data vault, Integris can offer their clients peace of mind by knowing their patients' information is protected from even a catastrophic fire.

One service offered by Integris provides the healthcare industry with a Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) for digital X-Rays. When a patient visits a PACS-equipped radiologist, the digital X-Rays are electronically sent to Integris' FIRELOCK server vault, where they can be utilized by physicians and other caregivers that have access to the secure network. These digital X-Rays generate large volumes of critical patient information and all of it must be must be protected in accordance with HIPAA requirements.

The vault is constructed with modular panels with a core of ceramic fiber insulation. This is the same type of insulation used in industrial furnaces, such as steel foundries, where temperatures exceed 2,500-degrees F. and are in continuous operation for up to 15 years. Protecting against the heat of a building fire is only one capability of this extreme high temperature insulating material. FIRELOCK® understands that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so every component of the vault must be as heat-proof as the vault structure. For example, special heat-insulated cable tray assemblies (much like those used in nuclear power plants) are installed to protect the entry points for the many power and data cables that are needed to operate a state-of-the-art data center. Because there is no single door on the market that can provide a Class 125 rating, FIRELOCK® installs a double door system to reach that level of performance. These doors are also equipped with automatic closers that are activated by heat, smoke, flammable gas or a power failure. This ensures that in the event of a fire, the vault will be sealed even if everyone has to evacuate quickly. A fire suppression system and advanced fire detection equipment inside the vault guard against any combustion starting within the vault chamber. Integris has taken many precautions to prevent fires within their facility. "We chose to invest in a data-rated fireproof server vault because our clients demand the highest level of protection for their critical information," said Allen Laymon, Director of Integris Tech.

Integris has also invested in redundant support systems to maintain maximum up-time. This data center is connected to two different Internet service providers to eliminate a potential single point of failure. Their facility is equipped with backup power generating systems in case of a prolonged power failure in the area. Redundant cooling units are also in place to ensure that a proper environment in the server vault can be maintained at all times. Along with installing a data-rated server vault, adhering to these best practices gives Integris' clients confidence in the ability to provide the data protection and 24/7 service they demand.

Of course, healthcare industry clients are not the only ones who demand a protected data center with redundant support systems. Integris provides co-location and managed hosting services for a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses, such as attorney offices, accounting firms and others. These businesses rely on Integris to provide Web hosting, email administration and a full complement of IT services. Located near Wal-Mart's global corporate headquarters, Integris serves both local clients and many others across several states.

By investing in a new data center with unsurpassed fire protection and redundant power, connectivity and environmental controls, Integris can now better protect information assets for their current clients. It also gives them a decisive advantage in winning new clients in the very competitive IT services industry. The value of operational and archival data keeps escalating as the dependency on this information continues to increase. Integris is now capable of meeting the growing demand for co-location and managed hosting service providers that offer data protection, high availability and superior service.

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