Desert Solutions FAQ's

Q: What is done to protect my information?

A: Desert Solutions gathers customer data for the purposes of our own accounting and customer tracking. We DO NOT and WILL NOT sell your info or share your info with any outside party unless required to do so by law. That includes for purposes of solicitation or otherwise. We will use your information internally, and anyone working for Desert Solutions signs a privacy agreement protecting all customer data and information.

Q: Why buy a system from Desert Solutions?

A: Desert Solutions systems have been in use since 1994. The systems that were installed in 1996 were still up and running with very little maintenance in 2002. - Desert Solutions builds a reliable system that is custom fit to your company or situation. We do not sell you a lot of stuff that you do not need as bells and whistles. We value your budget and business and provide honest consultation and outstanding customer service to keep you as our customer.

Q: Who will be working on my system?

A: Desert Solutions employs A+ & Microsoft Certification Trained technitians, along with Seasoned Database / Code Programmers. We require all employees to sign our Policy agreement which includes Customer Information Privacy. We build our own systems in-house and we do design / graphics work as well. We form a diverse team to suit the many needs of the small business and home-office user.

Q: How Secure is my web-site, what if the power goes out? How fast are they?:

A: Desert Solutions Servers are maintained by a world class Server Management Company. - Here are the details of what is provided (Updated 10/02) regarding Server Hosting through Desert Solutions via our contracted source.

Facilities:
Newark, New Jersey; San Jose, California and London, U.K. Each center is staffed 24 x 7 with highly trained, experienced support engineers.

Speed
Powered by OC48 -192 backbones.

Intelligent Routing
We utilize BGP to provide intelligent, fail-safe routing. We route your users to the fastest available connection to ensure maximum connection speed and virtually eliminate down time.

Scalability
Provider buys transit from 10 Tier 1 backbone providers, including AT&T, Qwest and Level 3 and has over 4GB of provisioned data capacity.

Redundancy
Built-in redundancy through multiple redundant network connections and redundant router and switch configuration.

Physical Security
Our facilities are manned with 24/7 security personnel. Badge/photo ID access screening as well as biometric access screening are employed for an added level of security. We have installed a dual door floor trap design for access to the raised floor area, and we require escorts to gain access to raised floor areas. Sensitive security areas within the center are protected by motion sensors and security breach alarms, and video cameras installed throughout the center are continuously monitored by security personnel.

Network Security
All of our systems are designed to maintain a quality of service throughout the network by prioritizing packets to maintain an order of precedence of services. Each network device is equipped to filter out DOS attacks. We also offer intelligent, multilayer access control that can be utilized to protect the network from the impact of attacks while reducing the risk of inadvertently discarding legitimate traffic.

Backup Power
Our Management Company furnishes dual power availability to each rack unit from independent power distribution units (PDUs), removing PDU loss as a single point of failure. To ensure stable connectivity, we provide a redundant Need+1 (N+1) design of uninterruptible power supplies Utilizing two separate commercial power feeds from two separate power grids to provide power to the center. Five redundant standby generators guarantee consistent operation in the event of a power failure from commercial power. These generators are equipped with 72 hours of diesel fuel on site, and two contractors are on call to refuel to the storage tanks.

Disaster Control
Our world-class facilities feature seismically braced racks and are designed to withstand disastrous conditions, ensuring that your systems and equipment continue to run even under extreme conditions. A second point of presence is always available to clients seeking fail-safe redundancy.

Environmental Controls
Our Management Company has implemented a Need+1 (N+1) design of cooling towers, water pumps and chillers to maintain a controlled environment. Conditions are a uniform 72° with 50% relative humidity. Multiple air handling units provide another level of redundancy to further ensure consistently sound environmental conditions.

Fire Protection
Fire detection and suppression systems ensure 24/7 operation of your critical systems. Dual fire detection (photo electronic/ionization and sniffer) systems are in place to constantly monitor for any potential areas of concern. A multi-zone pre-action dry pipe suppression system allows any suppression necessary to be contained to the affected area; conditions elsewhere will not be disrupted.

Network Uptime Guarantee
Our Management Company guarantees that the network will be available 99.999% of the time, excluding scheduled maintenance.

Server Hardware Guarantee
Our Management Company guarantees the hardware components on any server that we supply and will replace any failed component at no cost to the customer.

Service Level Agreements
Our Management Company guarantees its services with industry leading SLA's. Areas of coverage include but are not limited to: network uptime and access speed, specific response and escalation procedures and the replacement and/or maintenance of hardware and software.