USDCO Launches Underground Data Center in Former Mine

• By theWHIR.com , November 26, 2001

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November 26, 2001 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- A Michigan-based technology company has built a new data center in a 100 year-old mine to host computer equipment 85 feet below the Earth's surface. Underground Secure Data Center Operations (usdco.com), a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based data center, launched its operations in an inactive gypsum mine, deep underground and secure from disasters, both natural and manmade.

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."

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