Metrofile has extended its computer data storage service with the construction of a new data vault at its head office in Cleveland, Johannesburg. The magnetic data of over 1 000 of the company`s more than 1 500 clients is stored in the structure, which has been constructed according to strict SABS standards and specifications.
The new vault extends Metrofile`s total vault storage floor space in Johannesburg alone to over 1 000 square metres. The company houses over 75% of SA`s backed up corporate data.
John Woodhouse, manager of the Magnetic and Datasure division at Metrofile, says this places the company even further ahead of its competitors in terms of data safety and security.
"As with all our storage structures, the new Cleveland vault adheres to every requirement stipulated by the SABS regarding smoke-detection devices, closed circuit television, and such details as the thickness of the walls, reinforcing, the type of paint used, and the floor finish."
Woodhouse notes that all companies have electronic documents, and are compelled by law and customer requirements to secure them for the duration of their lifecycle.
"The addition of the new vault ensures that we continue to be uniquely positioned to provide consulting and implementation of full lifecycle electronic records management solutions, from storage and conversion through to destruction."
In the event of a disaster, any company that has any form of IT in place, and any form of information on its computers, should have an extra set of backup tapes stored offsite as part of its disaster recovery plan.
"These tapes should be far enough away from the client`s premises to be safe, in the event of a fire for example, yet close enough to allow for the tapes to be retrieved timeously so that the business can continue operating.
Statistics show that the vast majority of companies that are hit by disaster, but do not have a recovery solution in place, close down within 12 months of disruption to their activities. You simply cannot put too high a price on the value of data.
"Whenever a disaster occurs, such as 9/11, or when a municipal office or retail outlet burns down, our sales go up. It`s at these times that people realise most pointedly the absolute necessity of a disaster recovery plan, of which off-site storage is an integral part."
Metrofile`s storage vaults are dust-free, and temperature- and humidity-controlled. Each vault is protected by around-the-clock security services, and all tapes are securely locked in waterproof, shock-resistant storage boxes with access limited to authorised staff.
"We run our premises like a military operation," says Woodhouse. "The concept of security permeates the lives of our staff. We recently had a visit from Recall, the second largest archive company in the world. They judged our facilities the best they have seen worldwide, in terms of our security, computer systems and modern buildings. For example, if our smoke detectors pick up signs of fire, then inergen gas which, is an argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide compound suitable for environments sensitive to water damage, is emitted immediately to extinguish the fire while still allowing our staff access to the documents in our care."
The company`s clients range from small businesses to global corporate multinationals, including the South African Reserve Bank. Its 14 vehicles covering the Gauteng area make a total of between 560 and 600 stops a day collecting and delivering backups to clients on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. A further six express vehicles guarantee delivery in under two hours in the event of an emergency. Clients request services via the helpdesk.
Once an authorisation code has been given, the call is logged, and the tape number is checked, located, scanned out of the system and loaded for delivery. Metrofile`s services are available 24x365, giving clients the ability to request their data at any time of the day or night.
"We have experienced phenomenal growth over the last six years, with an average of 18 new clients coming on board every month," says Woodhouse. "The only other sector in which this level of growth has occurred is financial services, and given the general slump in the IT sector overall, we are very satisfied with our progress."
Share
Editorial contacts