This weekend we moved into our new data center—a facility we share with companies including Sun Microsystems, Esurance, Ticketmaster, and CNET. It has all the high-tech wizardry you can imagine to keep our customers’ online backup data safe:
- raised floor with seismic pedestals in case of earthquake
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16 data carriers
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independent PG&E power feed
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induction coupling system to avoid backup batteries
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three 20,000 gallon fuel tanks
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ten 2.1 megawatt generators (enough for 15,000 homes)
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double-interlock pre-action system for fire suppression, and more.
However, the part I liked the best was the lowest-tech: 24×7 staffed security guards. In a world of zombie networks, phishing attacks, and cybercrime, it’s nice to know that it still requires having your driver’s license checked for authorization by a live person before you can come within 100 yards of any system.