A data center is a facility that stores computer machines and their hardware equipment. This place is where organizations keep their IT operations and store all their websites, applications, and data. Components of data center include: 

• Servers 
• Networking Equipment
• Storage Systems 
• Power Infrastructure 
• Cooling Systems 
• Security Systems 
• Environmental Monitoring  
• Cabling Infrastructure 

What are the data center tiers? 

Data center tiers are a system used to categorize different types of data center infrastructure. They are divided into 4 tiers according to their reliability. Choosing the appropriate data center tier depends on an organization’s IT requirements, budget, and tolerance for downtime. 

Tier 1 Data Centers

A tier 1 data center is usually used by smaller businesses, or organizations that don’t rely too much on technology. It offers basic services and has the simplest infrastructure, with non-redundant capacity components. Moreover, tier 1 data centers only have a single path for power and cooling and offer an uptime of 99.67%. This means that the potential downtime each year is around 28.8 hours. This tier of data center also needs to be shut down completely during maintenance.  

Tier 2 Data Centers

Tier 2 data center is a bit more reliable than tier 1. It also has a single path for power and cooling and needs the system to shut down when there is maintenance to the power path and other infrastructure. However, tier 2 centers come with redundant capacity components. This helps lower the chance of the data center operations not working if a component fails. They also offer an uptime of 99.74%, which means their potential downtime is around 22 hours each year. This makes tier 2 data center a good fit for small businesses who need more reliability than tier 1. 

Tier 3 Data Centers

Tier 3 data centers are a big step up in reliability. They have extra systems that can keep things running even when they do maintenance. Tier 3 centers are available about 99.982% of the time, which means they might not work for about 1.6 hours each year. They’re great for businesses that need things to keep going without big disruptions. 

Tier 3 data centers have multiple paths for power and cooling, with backup redundancies and outage protection. They also can go through maintenance without disturbing their operations, making them a more reliable option compared to tier 1 and tier 2. The uptime they offer is 99.98%, which means their potential downtime per year is around 1.6 hours. 

Tier 4 Data Centers

Tier 4 data centers are the best solution for large corporations that have a high traffic and need their technology to run smoothly at all times. This is because tier 4 centers have redundancy for every component, ensuring that they can work at all times. They have many extra systems and different paths for power, cooling, and connecting to networks. Tier 4 data centers have an uptime of 99.99%, which means their potential downtime is 26.3 minutes per year. They are also designed to be able to maintain their operations even in the event of downtime. 

Why are data centers important? 

Companies use data centers because managing all their computing equipment, which can be in different branches, on their own can be challenging. Thanks to these facilities, companies can bring all their equipment to a centralized location and manage it conveniently. This is because data center facilities are designed to provide a safe environment to keep all the computers running smoothly. Moreover, data centers also need to comply with several regulations to make sure that their data is securely stored. Simply put, a data center is like the main control center for a company’s digital activities. Companies also have the option of having an on-premises data center or using a third-party data center. You can learn more about the benefits of using a data center here. 

History of Data Centers 

The Early Days (1940s) 

The world’s first data center was built in the 1940s at the University of Pennsylvania. It was to house the first computer ever created, which was the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer (ENIAC). The one who built this was the US Army for military purposes at that time. 

These early computers were very complex to operate, and data centers were also just very simple facilities to house these computers. Most of the centers at that time also had no windows and only one secure door.  

Development of Personal Computers (1960s-1980s) 

During the 1960s-1970s, companies like IBM and Intel began to develop advanced, yet easy-to-use computers for everyone. Because of these innovations, more users deploy computers in the 1980s.  

As the number of computer users began to grow, organizations started to realize that they need to have a facility where they can put all their company servers there in order to manage them easier. These needs made data centers a popular solution for lots of companies. 

Data Center and Internet Boom (1990s) 

In the 1990s, the internet became a thing and wireless internet technologies were also introduced. Personal Computers have also become famous among people. In this period of time, companies also started to rely on the Internet for their business processes. This eventually caused the demand for data centers to increase even more. 

IT Trends and Outsourcing (2000s) 

There was an increase in spending on IT in the 2000s as more people began using PCs and the internet. However, the financial crisis in 2008 caused companies to look for ways for cost-cutting measures. This is when ‘outsourcing’ started to become famous, as it is cheaper than trying to handle everything on their own. Many companies started to work together with third-party vendors (or other companies) to handle some of their business processes. This includes handling their data centers, as it helps them to focus on their business, and the experts can take care of their computing equipment. 

Scalability Focus (2010s) 

On the 2010s, more companies rely on the internet and technology for their business processes. E-commerce and online transactions have also grown at this period of time. Due to these increased workloads, companies realized the need for data centers that can keep up with the growing amount of work without slowing down, or in other words, a scalable data center. 

However, environmental concerns regarding these data centers are also starting to rise. A report published by Greenpeace in 2012 highlighted how these data centers are consuming lots of energy to operate. 

Era of Efficiency (2020s) 

These days, people are continuing to improve the quality of data centers. Data center providers are implementing ways to make their data centers sustainable and environmentally friendly. This is done by using more renewable energy sources (like solar energy or wind energy) as it can reduce the carbon footprint of data centers.  

Moreover, data center providers also have started to virtualize data centers. This is done to create a more scalable, secure, and reliable data center for companies. Virtualization reduces he number of servers needed, which eventually reduces energy consumption and resource usage. Virtualized data centers also allow the automation of backup processes for a company’s virtual resources. This helps companies minimize downtime and ensures business continuity. 

Future Trends and Conclusion 

We can expect that data centers will become even more advanced in the future. As more companies digitalize their business processes, data centers will continue to play an important role in helping lots of companies to run their business efficiently and smoothly.  

Data centers started simply as rooms that are filled with lots of computers, and now they have grown to become a facility that makes digital business processes possible, with more and more companies depending on them. We can also expect them to continue growing more in the future. 

The post History of Data Centers appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

• Increased time dedicated to revenue-generating endeavors instead of dealing with the management of the data center infrastructure (generators, UPS’s, cooling, network redundancies, personnel)
• Scalable network capacity, such as adding additional cabinets on demand without much logistics
• Meeting your specific compliance criteria needs, particularly with data-sensitive industries such as healthcare and financial firms
• Reliance on the data center provider to manage the entire colocated infrastructure up to the application layer

Based on these benefits, you must engage your IT department and other stakeholders to identify your goals and needs. Fully-equipping yourself with the right knowledge will streamline the entire process. Understanding the topics cover below, will give you an idea of what to consider and what to look out for while preparing for your colo provider search.

Capacity & Scalability

You should ask yourself “What are my current network, power and space demands? Will this remain consistent, or will it fluctuate?”. Most colocation providers have great flexibility in all of these factors. While flexibility is great, discussing your growth plan with your colocation provider can be very helpful. Moving your equipment into a data center blind to what they are capable of can limit your company’s growth.

Providing your growth plan gives a more realistic idea of how a data center can best support your needs. After all, moving into a space to only move out a few months later is just a waste of time and resources. Knowing that the chosen data center has both the capacity and scalability will only help you in the long run.

Location

Location, location, location… you all heard it before. Where your data center resides is a crucial factor when shopping for a colocation provider. While remote amenities like remote hands and KVM are nice, staying close to the data center has its own benefits. Factors like latency and uptime are typically better the closer you are to the facility.

Although, if your facility is in an area prone to natural disasters, it might be best to find another location. Sure, the structure itself can withstand a hurricane but let’s say the power goes out with your office in proximity of the data center. Now that your office and servers are down, operations seized, and the clock ticking, you now start to worry about the financial hit you’re going to take. When you choose a provider that is on a different power grid, you mitigate the risk of having your servers go down. 

One last thing to consider is accessibility for your IT team. With your data center close by, you will eliminate travel costs and expenditures when you need to have your system upgraded. Regardless if you want to stay close or far away, each has its benefits and it’s important to know the following when you look for a colocation provider:

• Is the facility located in an area prone to natural disasters?
• Do they offer remote amenities such as KVM or remote hands?
•  Is the data center easily accessible?

How Much Power do you Need?

You’ll want to ensure your colocation facility has the power capacity to handle not only your needs for today but also for the future. After all, you would not want to move into a facility that cannot support your daily business needs. Regardless of your situation, you want to know and understand your power density per rack, especially for high-data processing applications.

Why this is Important

Let’s say you want to create an AI model for your next project. However, due to the complex calculations that this model has to perform, it then becomes a high-processing application.

This poses you with the challenge of optimizing the data center’s infrastructure to meet the AI model’s processing requirements. More specifically, you need to address the issue of the power density per rack. Or rather, the amount of electrical power that the hardware within a single rack consumes. 

Since the AI model requires powerful GPUs and specialized equipment to speed up computations, it results in generating a lot of heat and requires a lot of electrical power. Now, if the power density per rack is too high, it can lead to overheating and hardware failures, as well as reduce the lifespan of your equipment.

To help mitigate these issues, the engineers at the data center will need to redesign your rack space to provide your equipment with proper airflow and cooling. With your new setup, you can run your AI model without damaging your equipment.

Careful considerations like this example are pivotal to maintaining a healthy environment for your hardware. It will not only increase its lifespan, but it will prevent bottlenecks and help ensure that you continue your business operations without any worry.

Power Requirement Formula

This begs the question “How do I know how much power I need?”. Knowing how much power you need and how much power your provider can give are equally important. Luckily, it is pretty simple to find out how much power you need. You can use this formula to calculate your power requirement:

• watts = volts x amps

An important note is that due to legal reasons, data centers in Washington are required to only use 80% power. For example, if you have 20 amps you can only use 16 due to Washington’s fire code regulations.

What about Security & Support?

You should always be able to fully trust your colocation facility with safeguarding your enterprise. Not only does this include the physical security and confidentiality of the actual premises, but it may also include being able to support your organization in the way of providing services that enable further security within your own infrastructure via the provider’s managed services.

When you reach out to a data center be sure to ask “Does your organization have a team of experts who can handle all aspects of network security and supporting your infrastructure?” Knowing that they have a team of experts at the ready provides you access to inside knowledge on how you can scale and grow your business without having to go through the process of trial and error. Additionally, investing in a third-party colocation provider with its own managed security services is a great cost-effective option when you cannot afford to have a team of 24x7x365 experts on your own payroll.

Disaster Recovery & Backup Protocols

Just as much as proactive security is a concern, so should disaster recovery & backup methods. A common saying amongst Network Security Specialists is “It’s not if you get attacked, it’s when you get attacked.” This is a necessary factor that you should address with any provider prior to signing with them. This is because the average cost of a single outage is $5,600 per minute.

Financial losses aside, these issues could result in PR nightmares or loss of reputation, or even valued client business. A worthwhile company will work with you to establish customized DRaaS solutions or backup plans for your peace of mind.

Ultimately, when you start to search for your Seattle colocation provider, be sure that you understand how location, capacity, and scalability factor into your business continuity. Also, understanding the basics of how power works and what your organization needs to function are important when finding your ideal colocation provider. With this knowledge, you should have no trouble finding a data center that will help your company reach its next level.

The post Seattle Colocation Provider What you Should Consider appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

What are the 12 Benefits of a Dedicated Server Solution?

1. Enhanced Performance with a Dedicated Server Solution

When it comes to performance, a dedicated server takes the lead. By having all the server resources exclusively at your disposal, you ensure high-performance levels and lightning-fast loading times for your website or applications. Say goodbye to sluggishness and hello to seamless user experiences.

2. Increased Reliability

With a dedicated server solution, you never have to worry about other users’ activities impacting your website’s performance or availability. By having exclusive access to the server, you can rely on its robust infrastructure and enjoy uninterrupted operations.

3. Enhanced Security with a Dedicated Server Solution

Security is paramount in the online realm, and dedicated servers provide a higher level of protection compared to shared hosting. With a dedicated server, you have the power to implement stringent security measures, customize firewall settings, and have complete control over your server’s security configuration. Safeguard your valuable data and protect your customers’ privacy with peace of mind.

4. Customization and Flexibility

One size does not fit all in the digital landscape. Thankfully, dedicated servers offer extensive customization options. Tailor your server to meet your exact hardware specifications, operating system preferences, and software configurations. Enjoy the flexibility to optimize your server environment according to your specific requirements.

5. Scalability

Businesses evolve, and your server should be able to keep up with the changing demands. Dedicated servers provide seamless scalability, allowing you to effortlessly upgrade or downgrade server resources as your business grows. Add more CPU, RAM, storage, or bandwidth whenever necessary, ensuring your server aligns with your expanding needs.

6. Improved Website Performance

A slow-loading website can lead to frustrated users and high bounce rates. With a dedicated server, you can bid farewell to these concerns. By efficiently handling high traffic volumes and large data transfers, a dedicated server ensures optimal website performance, resulting in superior user experiences and increased customer engagement.

7. Better Control and Administrative Access

Take the reins of your digital infrastructure with a dedicated server. Benefit from full root/administrator access, granting you complete control over server settings, software installations, and application configurations. Shape your server environment precisely to your liking and streamline your operations.

8. Dedicated IP Address

Establishing a reputable online presence is crucial for businesses. Dedicated servers come with a dedicated IP address, providing a multitude of advantages. From running SSL certificates to facilitating seamless email server setups, a dedicated IP address bolsters your online credibility and enhances your digital communication channels.

9. Enhanced Data Privacy

Data privacy is a top concern for businesses, especially those handling sensitive customer information. With a dedicated server, you are the sole user, ensuring your data remains private and isolated from others. Safeguard your critical data and maintain compliance with data protection regulations confidently.

10. Resource Optimization with a Dedicated Server Solution

Efficient resource utilization is a key factor in maximizing server performance. Dedicated servers allow you to allocate server resources according to your needs, ensuring optimal resource utilization and maximizing your server’s performance potential. No more wasted resources or bottlenecks holding you back.

11. Improved SEO Ranking

A dedicated server can be a game-changer for your SEO efforts. Fast loading times, server reliability, and dedicated IP addresses all contribute to better search engine rankings. Boost your online visibility, attract more organic traffic, and surpass your competitors in the search engine results pages.

12. Better Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

In certain industries regarding data storage and security are stringent. A dedicated server empowers you to implement the necessary measures to meet these standards effectively. Stay ahead of legal obligations, build trust with your customers, and safeguard your business reputation.

Choosing the best server solution is paramount for businesses and individuals seeking high performance and security for their hosting needs. With these mentioned pros, dedicated servers unlock your true potential in the digital landscape. Embrace the power of a dedicated server and thrive in today’s competitive online world.

The post The Best Server Solution for Enhanced Performance and Reliability appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

There are a lot of things that you can do with a dedicated server. This includes hosting online games, e-commerce sites, websites, and applications.  A lot of users choose to use a dedicated server because of its security, performance, and customization features. 

To put it simply, a dedicated server is like a powerful computer that you can rent to play a game with your friends. Using your computer to run the game may cause technical problems, and you have to solve them on your own. However, you don’t have to worry about all that when you rent a powerful computer that is made specifically for running that game. This explains why renting is a popular option these days for both businesses and end-users.

Trends and Statistics

Based on research published by Maximize Market Research, the global dedicated server hosting market was valued at USD 12 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 24 billion by 2029. The study also mentioned that the growth in demand is mainly driven by the increase in virtualization and cybersecurity awareness. Dedicated servers provide users with more control and security, allowing them to handle their own security measures instead of relying solely on the provider. Moreover, the region that is expected to hold the highest share in the market is North America. 

Dedicated vs Shared Server

There are some differences between the two kinds of hosting services, which are:

Performance

Dedicated server offers better performance and faster speed than a shared server as it gives you full access to all the resources of the server. This includes the CPU, RAM, and storage. Meanwhile, with a shared server, you have to share those resources with other websites, which can slow down the speed. 

Prices

A dedicated server is often more costly compared to a shared server because you are paying for the entire server’s resources. Meanwhile, with a shared server, you will share the cost of those resources with the other users. 

Security

A dedicated server offers a higher level of security as it allows you to be the only user who has access to the server. This gives you more control over the security aspects of your server. Meanwhile, a shared server is more vulnerable as your website can be affected by security problems from other users.

Scalability

A dedicated server is more scalable than a shared server due to the difficulty of upgrading the RAM and CPU on the shared server. Albeit, there is a heavy upfront cost, you will see savings overtime. Like a car payment, once you pay off the car loan, the only bill you have left is gas and maintenance resulting in a consistent predictable bill. Opposed to a shared sever which charges for the amount of resources you use causing an unpredictable and potentially high monthly payment.

Customization features

You can always customize a dedicated server to fit your needs, as you have complete control over the server. However, when using a shared server, the number of features you can customize may be very limited. This is because you still have to share the resources of the server with other users.

Technical expertise requirement

Typically, a dedicated server will require the user to have more technical expertise compared to a shared server. This is because the user will handle the server maintenance and management. Meanwhile, with a shared server, the server management will be handled by the provider.

Who Should Consider Using a Dedicated Server?

Software developers

If you are a software developer that is looking for a server with customizable features, then you should consider using a dedicated server. It gives you the freedom to scale the resources up or down according to your needs. Additionally, it provides you with greater power and reliability.

Companies that manage large amounts of data

Security is key when it comes to handling sensitive information. If your business has to handle lots of sensitive information, then a dedicated server will be the right choice for you. This is because you will be fully in charge of your website’s security aspects. With full control, you can apply the security measures and configurations that you need to protect both your business and customers. With a shared server, there is a chance that a threat actor will be able to break through your security system due to another organization’s lack of due diligence.

E-commerce or business sites

No one likes to wait for too long. Thus, having a website that loads very slowly can lead to a high bounce rate. This can therefore lead to low engagement rates on your site. The good news is, utilizing a dedicated server can help you prevent them. Dedicated servers can also help you give a better experience to your customers as it allows you to customize the security aspects of your site. Thus, dedicated servers can help to give your audience a reliable and secure user experience.

Online gaming companies

If your website is designed to host online games, then a dedicated server is a good choice for you. This is because dedicated servers are reliable, and also very scalable, making it possible for you to upgrade your resources at any time, depending on your online game’s workload and/or needs, making sure your website has a stable speed. Thus, using a dedicated server can help to provide the best gaming experience for your clients.

Overall, a dedicated server is the best option for people or businesses that need a reliable, secure, yet customizable infrastructure.

When it comes to choosing the right provider for your business, you should make sure that your provider can meet your support, scalability, security, and performance requirements as it impacts your IT operations and business’ overall success. You can contact one of our IT experts here to learn about how we can help you integrate a dedicated server into your business.

The post Everything You Need to Know About a Dedicated Server appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Transparency and Accountability

One of the main benefits of open data is transparency and accountability. By making data available to the public, cities can increase transparency in their operations and decision-making processes. This can help build trust between the government and its citizens and can also lead to more effective and efficient governance. Having public information like this can also be used to hold governments accountable for their actions, as citizens can use that information to track the performance of government programs and services.

Open Data Helps with Informed Decision-Making

Open data can also help businesses and individuals make more informed decisions. By providing access to data on various aspects of city life, such as crime rates, housing prices, and transportation options, individuals can make more informed decisions about where to live, work, and play. Businesses can use the data to identify new market opportunities and to make more informed investment decisions. This can lead to more efficient and effective use of resources and can ultimately improve the economic well-being of cities.

Open Data Promotes Innovation

Open data can also promote innovation. By making data available to the public, cities can encourage entrepreneurs and innovators to develop new products and services that address city problems. For example, public knowledge on traffic patterns and congestion can be used to develop new transportation services that are more efficient and cost-effective. Similarly, open data on energy consumption can be used to develop new energy management systems that reduce energy consumption and costs.

Challenges

While the benefits of open data are clear, there are also challenges to implementing initiatives. Such as ensuring data quality and reliability. Open facts and statistics can only be useful if the information is accurate and up to date. Another challenge is protecting individual privacy. Initiatives must balance the need for transparency with the need to protect the privacy of individuals. Finally, there is also the challenge of ensuring that this kind of information is accessible to all members of society, including those who may not have access to the internet or technology.

In conclusion, open data is a trending topic in data cities, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way cities are managed. By providing transparency and accountability, promoting informed decision-making, and encouraging innovation, having publicly made stats and facts can help cities become more efficient and effective. However, there are also challenges to implementing initiatives, and cities must be aware of these challenges and work to address them in order to fully realize the benefits.

You can learn more about the latest news by exploring our blog! Follow our link to learn about How Smart City Technologies are Transforming Urban Living!

The post Open Data a Quick Look into a Potential Revolution appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

However, as a business grows and becomes more complex, it may need to add additional servers to handle the increased workload.

How Many Network Servers for Small Business Should You Have?

There are a few different reasons why a small business might need multiple servers:

1. Increase the capacity and performance of the server environment
   If a business is experiencing a lot of traffic on its website or is running a lot of resource-intensive applications, it may need additional servers to handle the increased demand.
   
2. Improve reliability and availability
   Having multiple servers, a business can ensure that its systems remain up and running even if one of the servers experiences a problem.
   
3. Enhanced security
   Separating different applications and data onto different servers, a business can reduce the risk of a security breach.

It’s generally a good idea for small businesses to have at least one server, as it can provide a range of benefits, such as improved collaboration, enhanced record-keeping, and easier communication. The number of servers a small business needs will depend on the size of the business, the complexity of its operations, and the amount of data and applications it needs to store and manage.

A small business may be able to get by with a single server if it has a small number of employees and a limited number of applications and data to manage. However, as the business grows and becomes more complex, it may need to add additional servers to handle the increased workload. It’s a good idea to consult with experts when setting up a small office server to ensure that it is functional and meets the needs of the business.

What Is the Best Server for Large Businesses?

Rack servers are a type of server that are designed to be mounted in a rack, which is a standard-sized frame that can hold multiple servers and other networking equipment. Rack servers are typically more powerful and feature-rich than other types of servers, such as tower servers, and are often used by businesses that need a high level of performance and capacity. They are also more space-efficient than tower servers, as they can be stacked vertically in a rack, which can be helpful for businesses that have limited space available.

If your business is outgrowing its current server setup and you are considering moving to rack servers, you may have the option to lease rack space in a colocation facility. After all, 2019 global IT survey, 33% of respondents said that their company operates between three and five owned or collocated data centers and 7% of surveyed organizations operate more than 50 data centers.

Colocation centers are specialized data center facilities that provide space, power, and connectivity for businesses to locate their servers and other IT equipment. Colocating can be a good option for businesses that want to outsource the management and maintenance of their IT infrastructure and take advantage of the scalability and cost benefits of a shared environment. If you are considering leasing rack space in a colocation facility, it’s a good idea to carefully evaluate your options and choose a provider that meets the specific needs of your business.

Ultimately, it depends on your business and what it needs to operate. If you are interested in getting a colocation, or if you would like to learn more about our data center and services, please fill out our contact form and one of our staff will reach out to you ASAP!

The post How Many Servers Does a Small Business Need? appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Provided by KirkpatrickPrice, this audit is a third-party validation and follows Trust Services Criteria stipulated by AICPA. In order to complete the audit, a company has to pass a series of security, availability, confidentiality, and system privacy tests. Wowrack has been proven to meet these criteria.

However, what does it mean to complete a SOC 2 audit for Wowrack? And, more importantly, why does it matter for the customers in the first place?

Why Wowrack SOC 2 Type II/SSAE 18 Matters for Your Business

Completing SOC 2 audit means a lot to Wowrack as it manifests a serious commitment to uptime, security and customer’s data privacy. Those three aspects are integral to Wowrack as it is part of the company’s mission to continuously improve services to its customers—to you.

Additionally, this attestation does not stop at benefitting Wowrack for it also benefits its customers. There are, at the very least, four benefits that you can get.

Guaranteed Security Practices

In times when digital adaption in business continuity practices accelerates faster than ever, cyberthreats are also becoming a bigger problem. However, one of the newest trends provides an interesting fact about the issue.

A 2021 study by Accenture reports that 35% of security breaches are now dominated by ransomware, targeting weak links in the supply chain or business ecosystem. In other words, even the slightest unsafe security practices potentially result in bigger problems than the cause.

By choosing a certified vendor that does not take security for granted, you are making one huge leap towards safer practices. This also mitigates the risks of receiving indirect as well as indirect cyberattacks.

Improved Trust from Clients

Growing concerns regarding collection, protection, and the use of personal information become a major issue for business. That, accordingly, does not only cover the practices, but also the infrastructure, used vendors, products, and services.

Based on a 2019 survey of 2,200 US adults by Morning Consult, 73% of the respondents agree that protecting personal data is the top deciding factor to trust a business. This scores higher than product usability (71%), product safety (70%), and customer service (68%). Ergo, the more a company conducts safe information practices, the more it likely to get customers’ trust.

One way to let your customers know that you care about trust, security, and privacy is by letting them know that you do the same thing. The easiest way to do so is by choosing a reliable service provider. In so doing, certification provides evidence to the reliability of a service provider.

Above-standard Service Quality

Standards play a significant role in determining the quality of a service. They work as a basis for mutual understanding and guarantee of how a company will deliver a service.

For instance, take a look at AICPA-standardized SOC 2 audit. This audit sets the bar for how a company must conduct the best information security practices, internally or externally. Consequentially, it is pertaining to how a company delivers and maintains a service quality.

Once a company passes the assessment, this means that it has followed all the criteria of a good service delivery and practice. A result of an audit also works as a warranty of the best version of services that you will get.

Peaceful and Secure Digital Collaboration

A lot of companies—and probably yours as well—relies on digital collaboration to run their business. Especially, during the pandemic, we have seen that digital collaboration has skyrocketed exponentially. The same goes for cyberthreats.

Following PwC’s 2020 Digital Trust Insights Pulse Survey, cybercriminals are expected to be the most dangerous digital threats for business. It is especially true with the current business condition that relies heavily on digitalization. In addition, these threats do not solely target people who are working from home. They, however, also target the very IT infrastructure of a company in many ways possible.

For that reason, by choosing a safe and reliable IT service provider, you are indirectly helping yourself mitigate these cyber risks. A proven-to-be reliable provider conducts every security practice securely to get rid of your pain points worrying of not being able to enjoy your digital collaboration.

In conclusion, security is not something any businesses should wager. Trusting your IT security to a reliable service provider, such as Wowrack, helps you work more securely and painlessly.

To learn more on how Wowrack can help you, you can directly consult with our expert team. Schedule a call now.

The post SOC 2 Type II/SSAE 18 Audit Completion – Our Dedication to Customer’s Data appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

Wowrack has recently completed SOC 2 Type II/SSAE 18 audit. Accordingly, this attests that Wowrack has followed and demonstrated a strong commitment to information security, specifically in internal controls and processes as well as service delivery.

Provided by KirkpatrickPrice, this audit is a third-party validation and follows Trust Services Criteria stipulated by AICPA. In order to complete the audit, a company has to pass a series of security, availability, confidentiality, and system privacy tests. Wowrack has been proven to meet these criteria.

However, what does it mean to complete a SOC 2 audit for Wowrack? And, more importantly, why does it matter for the customers in the first place?

Why Wowrack SOC 2 Type II/SSAE 18 Matters for Your Business

Completing SOC 2 audit means a lot to Wowrack as it manifests a serious commitment to uptime, security and customer’s data privacy. Those three aspects are integral to Wowrack as it is part of the company’s mission to continuously improve services to its customers—to you.

Additionally, this attestation does not stop at benefitting Wowrack for it also benefits its customers. There are, at the very least, four benefits that you can get.

Guaranteed Security Practices

In times when digital adaption in business continuity practices accelerates faster than ever, cyberthreats are also becoming a bigger problem. However, one of the newest trends provides an interesting fact about the issue.

A 2020 study by Accenture reports that 40% of security breaches are now indirect, targeting weak links in the supply chain or business ecosystem. This can apply to internal practices or practices between companies and vendors. In other words, even the slightest unsafe security practices potentially result in bigger problems than the cause.

By choosing a certified vendor that does not take security for granted, you are making one huge leap towards safer practices. This also mitigates the risks of receiving indirect as well as indirect cyberattacks.

Improved Trust from Clients

Growing concerns regarding collection, protection, and the use of personal information become a major issue for business. That, accordingly, does not only cover the practices, but also the infrastructure, used vendors, products, and services.

Based on a 2019 survey of 2,200 US adults by Morning Consult, 73% of the respondents agree that protecting personal data is the top deciding factor to trust a business. This scores higher than product usability (71%), product safety (70%), and customer service (68%). Ergo, the more a company conducts safe information practices, the more it likely to get customers’ trust.

One way to let your customers know that you care about trust, security, and privacy is by letting them know that you do the same thing. The easiest way to do so is by choosing a reliable service provider. In so doing, certification provides evidence to the reliability of a service provider.

Above-standard Service Quality

Standards play a significant role in determining the quality of a service. They work as a basis for mutual understanding and guarantee of how a company will deliver a service.

For instance, take a look at AICPA-standardized SOC 2 audit. This audit sets the bar for how a company must conduct the best information security practices, internally or externally. Consequentially, it is pertaining to how a company delivers and maintains a service quality.

Once a company passes the assessment, this means that it has followed all the criteria of a good service delivery and practice. A result of an audit also works as a warranty of the best version of services that you will get.

Peaceful and Secure Digital Collaboration

A lot of companies—and probably yours as well—relies on digital collaboration to run their business. Especially, during the pandemic, we have seen that digital collaboration has skyrocketed exponentially. The same goes for cyberthreats.

PwC’s 2020 Digital Trust Insights Pulse Survey reported that cybercriminals are expected to be the most dangerous digital threats for business in 2020 and onwards. In addition, these threats do not solely target people who are working from home. They, however, also target the very IT infrastructure of a company in many ways possible.

For that reason, by choosing a safe and reliable IT service provider, you are indirectly helping yourself mitigate these cyber risks. A proven-to-be reliable provider conducts every security practice securely to get rid of your pain points worrying of not being able to enjoy your digital collaboration.

In conclusion, security is not something any businesses should wager. Trusting your IT security to a reliable service provider, such as Wowrack, helps you work more securely and painlessly.

To learn more on how Wowrack can help you, you can directly consult with our expert team. Schedule a call now.

The post Wowrack Completes SOC 2 Type II/SSAE 18 Audit—Why It Matters for You appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

As governments and health agencies around the world begin considering to and/or easing quarantines, starting Wednesday, June 10^th, Wowrack will start requiring everyone that visits Wowrack’s office or data center to wear facial coverings within all common areas of Wowrack facilities.  

Regarding the protocols, you must:

• Wear any face coverings that fit snugly and cover one’s nose and mouth. Cloth-based face coverings are permitted (it does not have to be surgical grade or N95-rated masks).
• Wear the face coverings at all times within the common and near entry/exit areas.
• Bring your own facial coverings for Wowrack will be unable to provide those to visitors due to limited supplies globally.

During your visitation, we also suggest you to:

• Maintain proper social distancing guidelines.
• Limit your time in the common areas as well as site visits and onsite personnel to a minimum or critical activities only. Work activities requiring 3^rd party vendors, onsite auditors or non-essential staff should be deferred.
• Help keep the number of occupants per elevator to a maximum of 2.
• Immediately report onsite positive cases of COVID-19 to Wowrack Management at management@wowrack.com should you find any.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding pertaining to these guidelines and protocols. Should there be any future changes or adjustments, we will keep you updated promptly.

Regards,

Wowrack Management

The post Site Visit to Wowrack – Facial Covering Requirement appeared first on Wowrack Blog.

SOC 2 engagements are based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. SOC 2 service auditor reports focus on a service organization’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. KirkpatrickPrice’s service auditor report verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of Wowrack’s controls to meet the standards for these criteria.

“The SOC2 Type II certification is a crucial achievement for Wowrack as it demonstrates our commitment to Uptime, Security and protecting our customer’s data and Privacy,” said Erward Osckar, Managing Partner at Wowrack. “We treat data very seriously at Wowrack. The SOC2 Type II shows that Wowrack is competent and serious about securing its customers’ data.”

“The SOC 2 audit is based on the Trust Services Criteria. Wowrack has selected the security, availability, and confidentiality categories for the basis of their audit,” said Joseph Kirkpatrick, President of KirkpatrickPrice. “Wowrack delivers trust-based services to their clients, and by communicating the results of this audit, their clients can be assured of their reliance on Wowrack’s controls.”

About Wowrack
Wow Technologies, Inc. (Wowrack) was founded in 2001 as a customer-centric cloud service provider offering various IT services, including Hosting services, Colocation, Cloud Backup, Managed Services, Disaster Recovery Solutions, and more. Our competency includes infrastructure design, provision, implementation, management, as well as compliance and high traffic web application monitoring that require scalability, fast performing, and secure infrastructure.

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About KirkpatrickPrice
KirkpatrickPrice is a licensed CPA firm, PCI QSA, and a HITRUST CSF Assessor, registered with the PCAOB, providing assurance services to 1,000 clients in more than 48 states, Canada, Asia, and Europe. The firm has more than a decade of experience in information security and compliance assurance by performing assessments, audits, and tests that strengthen information security and internal controls. KirkpatrickPrice most commonly provides advice on SOC 1, SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST CSF, GDPR, ISO 27001, FISMA, and CFPB frameworks. For more information, visit www.kirkpatrickprice.com, follow KirkpatrickPrice on Twitter (@KPAudit), or connect with KirkpatrickPrice on LinkedIn.

The post Wowrack Completes SOC 2 Type II / SSAE 18 Audit appeared first on Wowrack Blog.