All of our servers are high-end Intel-based machines running the Linux operating system. They are custom-built and configured with the high-security Jinux distribution for maximum performance and upgradeability.
The servers are in a hot-redundant configuration, which means the "master" server is servicing requests while a backup server sits idle and periodically checks to make sure the master server is running properly. If the master server ever crashes, the backup server automatically takes control and serves requests while the failed server attempts to self-repair. The entire fail-over process takes less than thirty seconds, which means even if something catastrophic happens, it's unlikely any users will even notice.
The servers employ file and database replication to provide continual backup of information. In the event of a server failure, the backup machine will contain a complete duplicate of all the data, so nothing will break. Most importantly, you won't lose your valuable information.
Our web servers use a customized version of Apache, the world's most popular web software. They are configured for secure HTTP and several web scripting languages.
Our e-mail servers use a customized version of qmail. They include spam filtering, remote and web-based access to mail, and direct user control of accounts and mailboxes.
Our database servers use the MySQL database engine, which in many benchmark tests is actually faster than similar Oracle installations.
We employ a pair of industrial-strength firewalls, running in parallel on secure Linux servers, to protect the network from malicious attacks. The firewalls are dedicated appliances, which means they don't run any vulnerable applications and in fact are configured with a minimal software set in order to decrease the likelihood of a security hole.
We control all access to the web and mail servers on a port-by-port basis, allowing only the absolutely vital traffic to cross the firewall.
The database servers run on a protected internal network which isn't accessible from outside machines at all. This ensures the databases are completely secure, and your information is safely hidden.
Our hosting facility has direct connectivity to the internet backbone via eight national providers: Sprint, AT&T, Cable and Wireless, Global Crossing, Genuity, Level3, GTE/BBN, and UUNet. The network has high-speed routers with autodetection capabilities, so if one of the backbone lines fails, the system automatically reroutes to another.
Two OC-48 fiber-optic lines provide data transmission directly to the network. This allows us to offer high-speed access and more bandwidth than most companies.
Our servers and switches are all connected to APC SmartUPS power conditioning systems. This prevents voltage spikes or surges from damaging the hardware or disrupting network traffic. It also provides over an hour of battery backup when power to the data center fails.
In addition, the entire hosting facility has a backup diesel generator which automatically starts in the event of a catastrophic power failure. It can provide power indefinitely, allowing us to ride out even the most serious blackouts.