The Hosting Factory is the place to be.
The Hosting Factory operates out of a state of the art data center located in downtown Chicago, Illinois located in the Lakeside Technology Center, the same building in which Equinix is located. The data center offers complete redundancy in power, HVAC, network connectivity, and security. The datacenter facility sits atop multiple power grids driven by ComEd, with full UPS battery backup power and a diesel generators onsite. Our network is supplied by several separate networks including, Level(3), Savvis and AT&T. Dozens more third party backbone providers are available in the building via cross connect, such as MCI, Global Crossing, Abovenet, Qwest, XO Communication, Sprint, Williams, and Cogent. The fiber provided to the data center is also provided over redundant paths, with two 10 Gigabit Ethernet lines from our cabinet in Equinix, on the 5th floor, and several pairs of fiber to providers in the Meet-Me Room on the 2nd floor.
Why did we choose Chicago?
More long haul fiber goes through Chicago than any other city in the United States. Most of the fiber connecting the East and West coasts of the United States goes through Chicago, giving Chicago ample networking capacity as well as routes that offer low latency to both the East and West coasts. Chicago also has an extremely low occurence of natural disasters (like hurricantes or earthquakes) in comparison to the rest of the United States. Thus, there is a reduced risk of outages. Chicago also has a much lower average cost of living compared to other major markets like New York or San Francisco. This lower cost reduces The Hosting Factory’s expenses and our clients benefit from that.
About our Fire Suppression System
A top of the line fire suppression system constantly monitors the physical environment for smoke, chemicals and other hazardous materials that could start a fire. The data center uses a dual-interlock pre-action sprinkler system throughout the facility. These pipes are dry-filled with compressed air - until two alarm conditions are reached, thereby releasing the valve to charge the system. Water is only released in the area when a sprinkler head has lost its seal, is activated, due to heat, AND the fire detection system has sensed a fire condition. If a head is accidentally knocked off, water does not flow into the system. Any water released will be sprinkler-head specific, which limits potential damage caused by over-spray.
Redundant and Precise HVAC System
Air control is key to maintaining fast, efficient performance from our equipment. To create the appropriate conditions, the data center is fitted with a comprehensive Liebert HVAC system that delivers constant, ideal air conditions, between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit and between 40% and 50% relative humidity at all times. Our HVAC system uses efficient and effective chilled water cooling, not a standard forced/chilled air configuration. HVAC systems maintain a minimum of N+1 redundancy, allowing the data center to maintain a constant, cool environment that is conducive to our operations.
Why we have Redundant Power and UPS
The power systems are equipped with a level of redundancy that guarantees continuous operation. To ensure that the data center is always operational all the time, a multi-layer power generation system, using some of the highest grade equipment available, is in place. Conditioned AC power with two independent A & B power buses, respectively, is available. In addition, UPS, battery and diesel generators back up every power system. Unlike some other data centers the climate control and security measures are also backed up with redundant power to ensure clean operation during power outages. The UPS systems maintain three hours of battery backup and a 2 MW diesel generator is onsite for longer outages. If there are issues with the diesel generator the three hours of battery backup gives ample time to dispatch a portable diesel generator system, if needed.
Security
The Hosting Factory’s data center can only be entered by our employees following a strict set of protocols. Visual authorization, sign-in procedures (both conducted by trained security personnel), along with key cards and photo identification ensure that only authorized personnel can pass. No customers are allowed in our space unattended and our staff is on-site all day every day. In addition, all aspects of the data center are monitored and recorded via color, hi-resolution digital video cameras. All video footage is kept on hand at least 30 days.