AT&T provides "best-in-breed" quality web hosting centers around the world. Our Internet Data Centers are optimized specifically to provide an industry-leading web, data, and applications hosting environment. Centers are protected from intrusion and failure by multi-layered security, full redundancy, diversity, and rapid response recovery measures.

As of June 2001, AT&T has 18 centers operating on three continents, including 11 different major U.S. markets, and representing 1.8 million square feet of web hosting space. Our center locations were carefully selected to be on or near all of our network peering points to ensure the greatest geographic diversity and help increase reach and performance.

In January 2001, AT&T became the first provider with both 1 million square feet of hosting space and a coast-to-coast OC192 IP backbone. Not only did we pay close attention to the location and network, we also focused on the intricate details of the building infrastructure. Each center has N+1 or in most cases 2N (dual, fully redundant) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. UPS systems receive power from both the commercial power utility and our own in-house standby generators. Generators are built on an N+1 design, where N is a minimum of two units, resulting in most centers having effectively a N+2 design. Each UPS system feeds redundant power distribution units (PDUs), separately feeding A and B circuits to each cabinet or rack, ensuring no single point of failure throughout the backup power system.

In case of a commercial power failure, the multiple standby generators are available to provide power to the center within one minute of a commercial power outage. The 1-minute gap is covered by the UPS battery system to ensure no impact on equipment is experienced. During an extended commercial power outage, the diesel generators provide power using the fuel stored on site. Every center has a multiple-day fuel supply with guaranteed contracts for fuel delivery if needed.

Fire suppression in the centers is achieved through a pre-action dry pipe system, in addition to state-of-the-art VESDA™ (air sampling) smoke detection. Detectors are grouped into different zones. When one or more detectors detect smoke, the fire alarm panel opens the deluge valve to fill the sprinkler piping with water. In case of fire, the seal on the sprinkler heads must melt due to high heat and only then discharge water in only the affected area. Water will not be discharged in unaffected areas, thus preventing damage to equipment and services in different zones.

Chiller plants are also in an N+1 design. Multiple Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units providing air conditioning are strategically located to deliver lower temperature conditioned air to maintain a room temperature of 72ºF.

Security is provided 24x7 and includes closed-circuit cameras, secure-card key access, biometric scanners, mantrap, and alarmed doors. On-site security personnel also monitor each center and manage the locking cabinets and cages. Building and environmental alarms are monitored locally in each of the centers by a 24x7 staff and remotely by the AT&T Network Operations Center in San Diego, CA.