MonsterHost Data Centers Security & Features

monsterhost data center

It is important to pick the right place for your data center. It will make it easier for website owners to provide faster and more efficient service. This will also impact the server’s performance. If you are viewing a website in Berlin, it will take longer for the servers to load. You need to make sure that your website’s server is within easy reach of your target audience.

This will allow users to have quicker loading times and better service. Today we will discuss MonsterHost server locations at EDH, European Data Hub. We also examine security at key locations.

We will first introduce our data center hub at the European Data Hub in Luxembourg. Next, we’ll go over the security of the partners and other details. These topics will be covered in this article.

Our Data Center Locations 

MonsterHost selected European Data Hub (EDH), for complete support and assistance from a team renowned for their expertise and innovative solutions.

EDH is a fully underground data center that is first-in-class and located close to major business centers in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg City. It complies with high-value, independently verified standards. This includes the Tier 4 Certification for Design‘ from Uptime Institute. EDH is an innovative model that depends on many partners. Each partner is recognized internationally in their sector.

Business model

EDH was established in 2009 and provides international expertise and skills to both large local institutions and clients from around the world. It serves local small- and medium-sized businesses. EDH’s unique business model quickly gained widespread recognition. EDH has gained significant international clients in many areas including international banking and health care, as well as supra-national institutions.

EDH is an operating partner with CBRE (CB Richard Ellis www.cbre.com). is a global leader for the maintenance and operation Data Centers. EDH is also an operational partner. MonsterHost gains from this alliance as it gives the company the most scalable and best support for future strategic projects and other data center operations.

EDH once again demonstrated its innovative approach by forming a new partnership. iTracs was named the European reference site. iTracs is a global leader in infrastructure management tools and services.

CB Richard Ellis – A remarkable partner to EDH

CBRE offers the most extensive and comprehensive services in Data Center management.

CBRE Group, Inc. is the largest international investment and commercial real estate company. It has approximately 70,000 employees and $13.1 billion in revenues for 2016. CBRE was ranked #214 by the Fortune 500 in 2016. CBRE was ranked #214 in 2016 in the Fortune 500.

CBRE serves property owners, investors, and occupiers all over the globe. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution in property management.

CBRE Global Presence

Data Center Solutions has extensive knowledge in mission-critical markets as well as primary, secondary and tertiary data centers around the globe. CBRE has the experience and tools to help MonsterHost customers succeed, no matter how complex the project.

Your business cannot afford to be down.

Your company’s long-term success depends on a solid data center strategy. It takes strategic planning and strategic insight to ensure your business doesn’t get destroyed by technology failures.

CBRE is the global leader in data center realty services. It offers all aspects of strategy, acquisition, disposition and project management from one source.

MANAGED DATA CENTERS IN 75 GLOBAL MARKETS

3,850564450 MW$1.5B3.3MSM
Dedicated DCS
Employees
Data Centers
Managed
Managed DCDCS Annual
Capital Projects
Managed raised
floor space

They are also the world leader in data center management. EDH customers, such as MonsterHost, can maintain their equipment and rooms with the same quality standards and expertise as the prestigious companies below.

prestigious companies logos

ITracs

iTRACS is the leading provider of enterprise-grade Data Center Infrastructure Management Solutions (DCIM). These solutions improve efficiency, performance, cost savings, and physical infrastructure.

iTRACS Converged Physical Infrastructure Management(tm), also known by CPIM(tm) is the only global command and control system for a data center that utilizes a 3D model. Interactive 3D Visualization – The Efficiency Engine(tm) is the heart of CPIM(tm). It opens up new possibilities to improve efficiency and business value in designing, managing and enhancing the physical infrastructure.

navigable 3d model

Today, CPIMTM ™, can be found in some of the most complex enterprise infrastructures in the world, including four out of seven industry-recognized experts in data center design, management, and management. iTRACS was named a Gartner Cool Vendor in DCIM in 2011 as well as an IDC Major Player in DCIM, according to IDC MarketScope’s Worldwide DCIM 2011 Vendor Analysis Report.

Data centers and infrastructure

The underground Data Center was constructed in a redundant fashion, according to the strictest technical standards set by the Uptime Institute.

In December 2011, it was granted Tier 4 certification.

This site is one of a few European data centers to have been awarded the highest certification. MonsterHost can access both granularity and scalability at every stage of their data center’s lifecycle. Each room is equipped with its own valves, which allow for water cooling.

All floors can hold a load of 2,000kg/square meter. 80 cm is the minimum height of a raised floor. Ceiling and raised floor must not exceed 4m in height

The IT rooms are situated in the middle of building. They are surrounded with technical rooms and corridors. Two goods lifts are capable of carrying 3,600kg.

MonsterHost has access both to a storage space and an area for unpacking. Our waste can be recycled as part of a selective sorting process in accordance to the ISO standards (IS014001 Environment Controls), and the Superdreckskescht [Luxembourg Government-Waste-Management] criteria.

Electrical Design

Every electrical device in the data center is redundant. They run in parallel in active-active mode. No feed can run at more than 45% to be capable of taking over the second feed’s load. Tier 4 specifications permit for some operating margin. 50.000 liters of fuel per feed ensures 5 days of autonomy under full load.

The site can handle 1500 watts up to 2000 watts/square mile. EDH permits higher power densities in some areas. These can be either air-cooled configurations or high-density water-cooled cubes.

Here is an illustration of how the site’s electrical infrastructure:

luxembourg energy office

All IT rooms must have their pedestals grounded. The Faraday cage protects against lightning strikes. A discriminatory fuse system protects personnel and technical equipment from lightning and power surges. Finally, IT room floors are protected from dust and static by a dust-resistant coating.

raised floor earthed illustration

Data Center Cooling Design & Ventilation

Like the electrical design, the cold production chain is redundant. The two lines are connected and operate simultaneously without any single point failure. Data centers can maximize their performance by utilizing NH3 machines that have high efficiencies at full loads and high efficiency across a wide range load types from magnetic-bearing machines.

cooling_design_3d

Site Ventilation

data center ventilation

The central system, which includes many production units, renews the air at the data center. At the return air outlet, humidity levels are monitored. The EU Code of Conduct requires that the air be kept within a range of 50 – 30%. The EU Code of Conduct is a collection of companies committed to reducing greenhouse gas emission. The EU Code of Conduct recommends you comply with the ASHRAE association recommendations concerning a noticeable rise in humidity range in data centers and a substantially high operating temperature in order to reduce the overall energy consumption at these sites which are well-known for consuming large amounts.

Tracking Tools

EDH’s data center uses the latest tools to monitor and supervise all equipment. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you. Many test and control points can be connected to numerous control systems which analyze, inform, warn and help in making the right decisions when intervention is required.

Building Management System

EDH works with a leading supplier of manufacturing and building automation software to create the Building Management System. EDH installed a real-time calculation, aggregation, analysis, visualization system in its data center. Managers have the information they need in order to make informed decisions, reduce their carbon footprint, and manage their utility bills. The system can monitor individual zones or provide a view of all data centers.

BMS provides the following benefits:

  • Effective collection, recording and calculation of operational information. 
  • Analysis and visualization of energy performance 
  • Examine the causes of abnormal production 
  • Installation and connection of all meters in the data center is easy 

6Sigma

  • 6SigmaDC is the only tool that will allow you to create and test a complete Virtual Facility (VF). This tool allows you to view a 3D model of each room in EDH’s data center at any given time. This software is able to verify any configuration at any level and can also be used for the design of specific IT equipment. 
  • The VF is a common method for assessing space, power, and cooling. It can be used all through the lifecycle of a white-room. 

EDH uses a virtual facility:

  • To design, plan and construct new facilities, extensions or upgrades. 
  • The architectural form of the building should influence air flow optimization (e.g. The floor void height, the room shape, and general methods like perimeter cooling, cooling in rows, or cooling in service corridors should all be considered. 
  • Layout cooling, power, and network infrastructures to meet the building’s IT requirements. 
  • To manage IT deployments within the rooms to: 
  • Maximize energy efficiency and cool 
  • Power-balancing configurations 
  • Maintain an inventory of your equipment 
  • It is important to improve cable routing 
  • Maximize space utilization; 
  • Test the changes before they are made public. 
  • Design and plan equipment configurations at: 
  • The level of the room
  • Cabinet level.  

ITracs

3d mathematical representation of servers

EDH entered into a partnership agreement many years ago with iTracs. iTracs is the largest provider of enterprise-class Data Center Infrastructure Management Solutions (DCIM) and was founded in 2000.

Customers are seeking co-location spaces that are efficient and easily scaleable to help them grow their businesses. Customers expect the best business performance and impact possible from the infrastructure that they receive. The partnership between EDH & iTRACS meets and exceeds these customer expectations. EDH uses the power of iTRACS CPIM(tm) to manage space, power, and other resources within its colocation facilities. This ensures maximum efficiency, business continuity, and customer success.

MonsterHost is a co-location customer that benefits from the iTRACS/EDH partnership. This partnership offers a new level of operational efficiency and business value in these areas.

Command, control and management of assets.

EDH now has the ability to view and manage all inventories (data halls) in iTRACS’ interactive model. EDH and its customers can now respond quicker to changing business needs and service demands with this new visibility.

Lower energy prices.

ITRACS helps EDH and its customers reduce energy consumption and costs. It consolidates hardware that isn’t being used or underutilized, streamlines power chain processes and eliminates stranded electric. EDH’s strategy is designed to exceed customer expectations through reducing energy consumption, maximizing energy efficiency and exceeding customer expectations.

Improved management of capacity.

EDH strives to maximize its existing capabilities by optimizing power, space and cooling without putting customer operations in danger. This increases efficiency and allows EDH to respond quickly to new business needs.

Transparency, cost control and transparency.

Customers now have greater visibility into the infrastructure and can proactively seek ways to reduce operational costs. EDH and its operator can work together using the same iTRACS visual modeling to ensure optimal use of the infrastructure.

Security

The overall design of the data center must include security. It is essential that the site has been certified ISO 27001. This certifies that the procedures adhere to the highest standards and is periodically inspected as part the renewal process.

Fire detection

Water detection systems are installed in all technical rooms, IT white spaces and technical corridors. VESDA systems can be found in IT rooms to monitor both the room and the raised floor. VESDA systems alert security guards at the site 24 hours a day about possible fires and can notify them immediately. Guards can intervene before the Aragonite is allowed into the room. The walls and doors will resist fire for a maximum of 90 minutes. Cable trays can be compartmentalized, and all passageways between them are protected from fire. These firebreaks are regularly tested in accordance to current regulations.

Fire extinguishing device

Each room has around 100 Aragonite Cylinders at 300 bars, which can put out any fires that might occur at the data center. It is possible to use a triple-shot system in the event of large-scale fires. The time from activation to alert is 40 seconds. As part of predictive maintenance, every bottle is checked and replaced if it starts to lose pressure.

Intrusion detection

There are several cameras installed in the corridors of the data center. This gives the security team an ongoing surveillance system that can be used to monitor both inside and outside the building. Each IT room has its very own entry, equipped with a card reader and a camera system. This room includes motion detection and digital codes. It is easy to integrate biometric-technology and customer security systems into existing security infrastructure.

Telecommunications

Data center design allows telecommunications lines to enter via two separate routes and entry points. The telecommunications lines then travel on separate routes to reach the provider room, where active components are placed in individual racks. These provider rooms are connected to each customer’s room via two dedicated meet-me areas. The Telecom Operating Team oversees and manages one for each feed. An intrusion- and flameproof cable tray can connect two telecommunication provider rooms.

EDH & MonsterHost the Right Fit

EDH’s business model is very similar to Open System Interconnection’s (OSI), an international standard. It is composed of layers. It starts at the data center, which is the lowest level. It then moves on to the customer’s IT infrastructure.

EDH is supported in every layer by the top market players. MonsterHost, one of its customers, can have their IT systems installed at data centers that meet the highest standards. They are also completely neutral at all times.

MonsterHost offers high quality, professional support. MonsterHost brings decades of experience and the trust and support of international networks to all aspects of a project. It serves as an advisor and helps customers find the best solutions for their projects.

EDH holds the exclusive rights to the operational data center as well as iTracs, CBRE and CBRE. However, EDH can choose to offer added-value services that are IT-related. Expertise is at all levels.

Data Center Certifications

EDH’s unique business model and partnerships in the operating and managed services space have led to several certifications and accreditations within a span of just two years. These accreditations and certificates show the effectiveness and efficiency of the model, as well as the quality of all processes.

MonsterHost’s EDH has been awarded the outstanding dual certification by Uptime Institute. The EDH also holds the Tier 4 certification for site design. MonsterHost was audited and received the M&O certification.

This certification, which is unique for Luxembourg, demonstrates that processes, documentations and procedures in Luxembourg are in accordance with the best practices in data center industry. It allows for the operation and maintenance of site infrastructure. Our data center is proud to have received the Uptime Institute certification. This certification ensures that all sites comply with strict standards, which are periodically audited.

EDH Data Center has also been awarded the following certifications:

data center certifications
  • IS09001: Quality Management  
  • IS014001: Environmental Controls 
  • ISO27001 Security Controls 
  • ISO50001: Energy Management 
  • Member of EU Code of Conduct 
  • First certified data center worldwide EN 50600 
  • M&O – Maintenance and Operations by Uptime Institute – Single site in Luxembourg 

These certifications prove the EDH Data Center’s design and operation. They are issued by independent and external auditors. These certifications are the best method to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency a data center in a transparent and fair manner.

MonsterHost Data Center Carbon Neutral Green Hosting

giphy

European Data Hub is aware of environmental concerns surrounding data centers. Data centers are big energy consumers with a high carbon footprint.

EDH pioneered initiatives to reduce electric consumption.

They also actively implemented technologies that can reduce carbon dioxide production. 

Both static and rotary UPS are both available at your site. These technologies provide high yields for various load factors. You can combine the equipment that supplies emergency-supplied power with other equipment to lower overall site consumption. 

The cold production chain works in the same way as emergency-supplied electricity. It also includes complementary technologies like magnetic bearing compressors or NH3 machine. This compressor is capable of producing high yields with low loads. For heavier loads, the second compressor is more efficient. 

All the energy needed for the site are 100% Renewable. The grid supplies electricity entirely from wind or hydraulic energy. 

EDH employs operational methods that show its willingness to participate in international initiatives to lower CO2 emissions. 

EDH participates in EU Code of Conduct. EDH is the European association that creates and enforces ecofriendly norms and standards. 

This other association has been active in the field for many years and heavily influences the ASHRAE work of EU Code of Conduct. ASHRAE, a global society for building technology, has over 50,000 members. It was established in 1894. Its members and the Society are concerned with sustainability in the building industry, energy efficiency and indoor quality. Through research, standards-setting and publication, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment. 

EDH adhered to strict environmental standards since the site was opened. These standards include ISO 14001 (“Environmental Control”) and ISO 50001 (“Energy Management System”) 

iTracs analyzes load factor durations in order to determine the best ways of consolidating and optimizing IT resources. It is the ideal product to monitor rack- or server consumption. This will help to reduce site consumption in the long-term. This is the heart of EDH’s ecofriendly approach. It is more important to reduce energy waste at source than to limit the efforts to build infrastructure for the data center. This will eventually make up the difference in the performance of the previous stage. 

Data Center Monitoring & Reporting

real time monitoring image

EDH offers a new set monitoring tools that allows us to see in real-time in 3D our room and a variety of live KPIs. EDH developed this application to give MonsterHost clients a clear and accurate view of their data centers.

MonsterHost & EDH data center Attracts Global Business

Monsterhost and the European Data Hub have managed to attract some of world’s most prominent actors to Luxembourg’s highly secured servers. We have strict confidentiality agreements with all our clients so only a few names can be made public. Many major international organizations have chosen to establish their European presence in our facilities due to EDH and our unique business approach.

MonsterHost offers a unique combination of clients such as:

  • The eBusiness sector is dominated by major international players 
  • Gaming sector players from around the world are major players 
  • International Banks 
  • European Banks 
  • The Industrial Sector is a top player 
  • Telecommunication providers 
  • The leaders of the health care industry 
  • Leading players in the Fund industry 
  • Management and outsourcing 
  • National Air Carrier
  • Insurance Companies and many other…