USDCO says the facility has advantages over traditional data centers, such as increased security, lower cost, scalability and ideal environmental conditions. USDCO said its economic model works, despite the proliferation of data center providers, thanks largely to the natural qualities inherent in the mine.

With 750,000 square feet available, there is lots of space to be subdivided to accommodate the growth needs of clients. In addition, the data center has an unlimited supply of naturally cool, 50-degree air, providing the ideal temperature and humidity for computer equipment with minimal HVAC cost.

"We are one of the most secure data centers in the country and unparalleled in terms of square footage, scalability and environmental control," said Irvin Wolfson, USDCO partner. "Yet, while the physical and cost benefits of being underground make us attractive, we have also invested heavily in high-speed connectivity and redundant power and fiber systems to ensure our operations are not just secure, but also state-of-the-art."

USDCO said it is initially focused on providing co-location services. Clients lease space for their own servers, while USDCO provides secure facilities, power and bandwidth. USDCO offers redundant power sources and multiple high-speed Internet DS-3 connections through an OC-12 SONET ring linked to outside connectivity providers through redundant fiber cables. Through its alliances, the company augments its core services to include disaster recovery solutions, wireless connectivity and more.

Strategic partners like Analysts International, a national information technology company, enable USDCO to offer technology solutions ranging from system design and implementation to the sale of software and equipment. "The data center market is over-built with pricey Class A space or cut-rate Class C space that lacks true redundancy, capacity or security," Wolfson said. "The natural qualities of the mine allow us to offer the best of both worlds - premier services and security at highly competitive rates."

USDCO was established in Sept. 2000 when its founders realized the former gypsum mine offered optimal conditions for a data center. The mine, which was being used to store food and other cold-storage products, offered superior environmental conditions for electronic equipment, almost invulnerable security and was located between two power grids. The facility became operational in July 2001.

Adam Couture, a Mass.-based analyst for Gartner Inc. said USDCO could find itself a niche serving businesses that want to reduce vulnerability to any future attacks. A company fact sheet said that the mine would protect the data center from a cruise missile explosion or plane crash. "Every company that I've talked to all are going back and re-evaluating their business-continuity plans," Couture told Associated Press. "This doesn't say everybody's changing them, but everybody's going back and revisiting them in the wake of what happened."