Rackspace^®, world's premier and high security data centre, maintains dedicated Web servers 24x7x365. Rackspace currently operates 8 data centers: 2 in San Antonio, Texas, 1 in Dallas, Texas, 1 in Virginia and 4 in the UK. Rackspace data centres have been engineered to avoid any single point of failure in connectivity, power or HVAC.

Superb Connectivity
Rackspace utilizes connections to multiple backbones so that data would reach the end-user in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. Rackspace also has peering agreements with local ISPs to allow fast delivery of packets whenever possible.

BGP4 Routing
Rackspace runs the Border Gate Protocol (BGP4) for best case routing. An entirely switched, Cisco-powered network employs Cisco GSR 12000 class routers, running HSRP (N+1 hot failover) to ensure that data can be routed even in the event of a router failure. The BGP4 protocol is a standard that allows the routing of information packets sent out from the network. Each packet of information is evaluated and sent over the best route possible. Because of its redundant network architecture, packets may be sent via alternative routes even if they are being delivered to the same end-user. Should one of the providers fail, packets leaving Rackspace network are automatically redirected through another route via a different provider.

Guaranteed Packet Delivery
Rackspace pays its providers to make sure that packets of information are delivered to the end user. This offers significant advantages over simply peering with the major backbones. Peering agreements rarely include Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Therefore, no one is accountable for lost packets at congested exchange points. Because Rackspace actually has SLAs with all its providers, it is able to guarantee that all packets will leave Rackspace network at full speed.

Optimum Bandwidth Utilization
The Rackspace Network currently has plenty of excess capacity, even during peak hours. This allows accommodating even the largest spikes in traffic that are often associated with the most popular websites. Rackspace is always adding network connectivity and new routes in an effort to make sure that content is delivered to your users as efficiently as possible. A low bandwidth utilization also allows for maximum uptime, even if one of its providers has an outage. It's another reason to outsource your server requirement with Rackspace.

Foolproof Server Security
Server Security is applied at three levels as follows:

IDS Exterminator
A leading-edge Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Exterminator constantly monitors the network at our San Antonio data centre where the server is located, in order to detect any sign of hostile activity. Once an attack is detected, Exterminator’s proprietary software acts to prevent any communication between the targeted host and the attacker, rendering the attack unsuccessful. While all attempts at hacking will be logged centrally, you can rest assured that the hacker will not be able to access any of the data on your server.

Security Engineers
We keep track of the current information on new operating systems and software vulnerabilities, viruses and other security loopholes that might compromise the safety of the servers. This activity is performed by our security engineers, who proactively monitor a myriad of sources to uncover any new risks to the integrity of the servers. Each potential threat is taken care of by appropriate security patches, virus detection tools and help resources.

Access Control Measures
We have implemented all appropriate access control measures at OS level to prevent breach of data security. We also have requisite expertise in implementing SSL and PKI, should clients opt for that level of security.

Conditioned Power
Power systems at Rackspace data centres are designed to run uninterrupted even in the unlikely event of a total power outage. All servers are fed with conditioned UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that will run for 80 minutes if utility power fails. The UPS sub-system is N+1 redundant with instantaneous failover in case the primary UPS fails. In the event of an extended power outage, an on-site diesel generator can run indefinitely. The generator is regularly tested to ensure that it will continue to function in the event of an emergency.

Precision Environment
Rackspace data centres are meticulously tidy and air is circulated and filtered every two minutes to remove dust and contaminants. The data centre’s HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system is N+1 redundant to ensure that even in the event of an entire HVAC system failure, there is a duplicate system on standby to take over.

Advanced Fire Suppression System
An advanced fire-suppression system is in place to prevent any fire from spreading -- in the unlikely event that one could start. All cables to servers and routing equipment are securely tied down and cable racks, suspended from the ceiling, provide dual routes for all cables. In case all cables on a cable rack are cut or burnt, packets of data will automatically be routed to a second set of cables on the other side of the data centre.

Physical Security
The data centre is physically isolated from everyone but level three technicians. Public access is strictly forbidden. Access to the data centre floor is restricted to those holding Rackspace military-grade pass cards. Plus, biometric hand scanners restrict access to the data centre itself.

Ideal Location sans Natural Disasters
San Antonio is an ideal location for a primary data centre because of the absence of natural disasters. The city is on the most seismically stable soil in the USA. In fact, San Antonio is one of only two places in the USA that Lloyd's of London will underwrite for earthquake insurance. Additionally, the absence of hurricanes and tornadoes make the Rackspace San Antonio data centre the perfect location for your mission-critical data.