Server technology
Windows server 2008
We are now running dedicated dual core Windows server 2008 boxes with applications running under IIS 7 to make the most of the latest security offerings from Microsoft.

SQL Server 2008
Our primary database servers are now running SQL Server 2008 which provides the latest security and efficiency benefits from Microsoft.

Cloud pricing plans
For Amazon EC2 pricing look here for server and data transfer pricing and here for storage pricing. Additional costs are incurred for the initial setup of a server instance within the cloud with maintenance and support options also available.

Pricing plans for hosting services in the Microsoft Azure framework are still to be confirmed by Microsoft although development work can already be carried out for early adopters.

Physical server pricing plans
Example configuration:
  • Windows Server 2008 Hostin
  • 1GB of storage
  • .NET 3.5 framework
  • SQL Server 2008 Express
  • Nightly off site backups
  • FTP access to server
  • Support from OPSC
  • Unlimited email accounts including webmail, spam filtering, calender and contact management
  • Sync tools for BlackBerry™, iPhone™, Windows Mobile devices™ and Smartphones
£45 per month
Data centres and clouds
Purpose built data centres
Unlike many smaller hosts we do not run our servers through slow dedicated lines but keep all of our servers in major shared data centres ensuring maximum transfer rates.

Cloud solutions
While we provide hosting on our own servers, we are also one of the first companies to offer hosting within the Amazon EC2 cloud. This exciting new technology allows us to offer dedicated virtual servers within Amazon's own server network ensuring extremely high levels of reliability and data transfer. What's more the cloud also allows servers to be scaled remotely within minutes unlike traditional hardware based servers.

We are also testing services on Microsoft's new Azure cloud due for public release later in 2009.


Security
Access to servers is tightly controlled by both electronic and biometric means, through a system of airlocks and secured areas.
Entry to the data centre requires both of these means as well as a final visual check before any person can gain final entry to equipment. Once in the data centre activity is recorded around the clock.
  • Very early smoke detection apparatus (VESDA) installed
  • Smoke detection system
  • FM200 fire suppression system
  • CCTV system covering all entrances/exits and main areas
  • 24-hour video recording
  • Full perimeter alarm
  • PAC security card access system
  • Visual verification of all persons entering the data floor
Power
Power is supplied to the data centre from diverse locations and is backed up with multiple standby generators.
  • 2 x 1700 KVA Generator back-up @ N+1
  • UPS system - redundant parallel formation @ N+1
  • Close control downflow air conditioning units to guarantee stable temperature and humidity @ N+1
  • 2 independent AC systems DX & chilled water @ N+1
  • 2.5 MVA of UPS conditioned power @ N+1
  • Diverse Power Supplies with diesel generator backup