NorthWrite's state-of-the-art data center provides unsurpassed security, reliability and scalability to hundreds, and soon to be thousands of WorkSite clients. Located in Minneapolis, MN.  Our Data Center is designed and staffed to ensure the highest possible reliability for your hosted solution.

Key features of our data center:

• High Speed Network.  NorthWrite is connected to the Internet by one OC-3 and two DS-3 links which are carried over two different OC-12 fiber optic SONET networks. NorthWrite also maintains a copper connection to Sprint in case of catastrophic SONET failure. The NorthWrite network is connected to three peering points on the Internet, allowing for a high degree of redundancy and routing flexibility. NorthWrite consistently places in the top 96% of the Keynote Business 40 Index, which benchmarks website responsiveness.

• Physical Security - Each data center is monitored and protected by video surveillance cameras, 24-hour security personnel, and access control systems. To prevent unauthorized network access, NorthWrite utilizes a combination of technical platforms to counter attack all known methods of compromising the core network. Technologies include Cisco PIX firewalls, Foundry Server Iron load balancers and F5 firewall/load balancers. Firewalls are utilized to restrict access to the network and filters have been added to the routers and the switches. IP restrictions and username/password authentication are utilized where appropriate. NorthWrite also utilizes a pro-active monitoring platform to proactively determine potential intrusion. These methods individually and in conjunction with each other provide the highest level of security.

• Redundant Power Management - NorthWrite's data center facilities are powered by two separate Xcel Energy grids and equipped with multiple 75 KVA full time inline UPS equipment. In addition, a natural gas generator and 250 KVA Diesel generator are located onsite in the event of a sustained electrical outage. NorthWrite also contracts with a mobile power source for generator redundancy.  NorthWrite offers state-of-the-art firewall and layer 4 switching technology for maximum availability and uptime. All NorthWrite core services are complete and n+1 redundant, providing maximum fault tolerance.

• Temperate Control  - At each Data Center, temperature and humidity is controlled by multiple computer room air handling units (CRAHU) installed in a redundant configuration.
• Fire Suppression Systems - Data Center facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art gaseous and redundant dry-pipe fire suppression systems. Fire detection devices monitor the sub floor plenum and ceiling space. Each data center facility is enclosed by a one-hour fire wall.
• Cisco Powered Network  - Each data center features High Speed Internet Connectivity via multiple DS-3 and OC-3 connections using redundant Cisco 7500 routers interconnected to Cisco 6500 and 3900 Catalyst switches.

• Network Operations Center (NOC) Offsite Backup - Our Minneapolis NOC provides centralized monitoring and control of the NorthWrite data centers and network. Disaster recovery is a key component to the longer term viability of today's business and remote off-site storage is essential.  Data is backed up every evening, and backed up off-site every Friday night.