Driven by the cloud much of the IT security world is focused on securing digital data. So much that the physical element often goes unreported. Man-traps, surveillance systems, perimeter defenses and even biometric access-points -how could anyone not get excited about this stuff?

While a moat complete with alligators may be overkill, many businesses that have gone cloud don’t place enough emphasis on physical security. After all, what’s the point of virtual security if your data or co-location center has no perimeter defense or internal security checkpoints?

For consumers, SMBs or even large enterprises demanding server colocation or IaaS space off-premises, determining if the vendor guarantees physical security is a no-brainer. Evaluating your service providers standards on security is tricky. What types of security controls do they provide and how much of them are budget-justifiable.

It is important to assess the financial impacts of a physical breach and how much of a hypothetical breach could derail your business. How much investment and controls are required to prevent and resolve a breach? Typically, the level of physical security is dependent on the industry your data revolves around. Compliance regulations are an issue. Chances are that the more valuable and sensitive the data, the more your budget should be focused on physical security.

Once you’ve determined just how valuable physical security is to business continuity, then you can look at your colocation provider from the security standpoint. Providers may offer a minimal level of security guarantees and many provide extended security controls for additional costs. No matter what levels of security a vendor offers, look for the following minimum standards and safeguards:

Security Layers

If possible, get as much information on the different layers of security the colocation provider offers. Layers include identity and access privilege management, logs to monitor, report and access surveillance systems.

Audited and Certified

Make sure they have proof that they are submitting regular audits on the performance of the security controls they offer – such as the SAS 70 audit. Also request what security certification the provider, staff and management have received.

Well Trained-On-Site Staff 24/7

Find out if there is around-the-clock security on-site, and inquire into what internal requirements, certification or training security staff have met.

Location, Physical Condition & Age

Where is the colocation center located? Most data centers are not in heavily populated areas for a reason – and they should never advertise that they are in the business of data. Also, determine how old the building is and how well it has been maintained. Finally, inquire into the server and rack equipment deployed, their condition and what the provider guarantees in terms of future needs for space, expansion and performance.

Diaster Readiness & Recovery

The other element to physical security is disaster readiness. How well prepared is your colocation provider for natural disasters, fires, power outages and other acts of god. In addition, what level of agreement do they provide in the event of a disaster, and is the life of your data guaranteed.

Zach Kremian is a Web Editor for CloudComputingInsights.com and writes about cloud computing trends, applications, management and security issues.

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Although much of the current tech buzz has focused on the consumer editions of Microsoft’s Windows 8, the new Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate (RC) has some notable upgrades, features and benefits for IT professionals and businesses considering Windows-dedicated server deployment.

“With nearly 300,000 downloads to date of the beta release, the excitement around this new Windows Server is unprecedented,” said Microsoft’s Jeffrey Snover in a press release last month.

For those considering managed Windows dedicated server hosting on the Windows platform, the new Windows Server 2012 offers cloud-era upgrades to server virtualization, server management and networking. Unlike Windows Server 2008, admins can now deploy a server without having to choose between a full or server core installation.

New Server Virtualization Capabilities in Windows Server 2012

The Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V is a flexible virtualization platform that can help IT meet current goals, and can provide an end-to-end solution for expanding your IT environment.

“Whether you are simply virtualizing your workloads or building a private cloud, new technologies available as a virtualization platform in Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V can provide a feature-rich and cost-effective solution. With Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V, you have the flexibility to build a server environment that can support your business needs in any phase of your IT life cycle,” says Microsoft in their Virtualization Capabilities overview.

Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate (RC) Hyper-V offers support for up to 64 virtual processors and 1 TB of memory for your Hyper-V guests and 4,000 virtual machines on a 64-node cluster. Other capabilities include Resource Metering, support for Offloaded Data Transfer and improved quality of service to support minimum bandwidth demands.

New Server Management Capabilities in Windows Server 2012

The Windows Server 2012 offers new management capability across multiple machines, robust automation, and better compliance with industry standards; plus a universal experience across virtual and physical platforms.

New capabilities in the 2012 Server Manager include multiserver experience, batch deployment, and streamlined server configuration and deployment. In addition, the new Server manager offers integration with other management tools, and the ability to install roles and features on a remote server/offline virtual hard disk.

Image via Windows Server 2012 White Paper

“IT professionals can provision servers and offline virtual hard disks from their desktops without requiring physical access to the system or Remote Desktop Protocol connections to each server. Administrators can manage groups of servers collectively from within a single, integrated console, which enables them to respond to business-critical problems with greater speed and agility,” says Microsoft.

New Networking Capabilities in Windows Server 2012

The networking capabilities in Windows Server 2012 have been expanding, allowing easier management of user and end-point connection, and network availability and efficiency. These enhanced features can also provide for seamless access to remote users to both local and cloud-based resources, and even allow seamless communication between private and public cloud services.

“Windows Server 2012 offers new and enhanced features that can help reduce your networking complexity in three key areas: connecting end users to IT resources, managing private clouds, and linking private clouds to leverage public cloud services more easily and securely,” says Microsoft.

For more tips, tricks and insights into Microsoft computing, server virtualization and desktop management, check out WindowsPro Zone.

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