Datum installs Samsung IP network video surveillance solution for their highly secure business class datacentre

Datum opened its flagship datacentre, which was designed and built by specialists Keysource, and is located on the high-security QinetiQ Cody Technology Park in Farnborough, in January 2013 with the objective of providing clients with flexible data collocation services including single or multiple rack options, as well as dedicated and custom suites for bespoke requirements. All offerings are backed by extensive support services including a 24/7 manned helpdesk and technical support.

The facilities are spread over three distinct areas with the design of each focussed on its main purpose. In addition to the actual data centre, an energy centre houses back up UPS’ and stand-by generators, whilst a separate office building includes the provision of client usable space.

Paul Garner, Datacentre Manager of Datum, comments: “It is absolutely crucial to the integrity of our business that we can demonstrate to clients that their infrastructure is being stored in a totally secure environment and physical security is therefore of paramount importance. The Samsung video surveillance system is at the forefront of procedures to tightly control access to sensitive areas of our facility. It works alongside our access control system to ensure that we can monitor and verify, with high quality video evidence, all activity of staff and visitors”.

The contract to install the video surveillance system was awarded to Bristol based installation experts Destination 5 by Keysource, a specialist in the design, build, optimisation and on-going management of datacentres. Rob Elder, Director of Keysource comments: “Working closely with Datum we have been able to develop a world class facility that boasts high levels of efficiency, availability and flexibility. Security was an important aspect of the development, so we needed an IP network based video surveillance system that would be reliable and robust as well as being able to capture and record images of the highest quality. Destination 5 was able to deliver an effective solution, utilising cameras, monitors, video recorders and monitoring software from Samsung, to meet our needs and those of Datum.”

Keysource has adopted a scalable approach to meet Datum’s precise operational requirements both now and in the future. The first phase of the datacentre, which has a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of just 1.25, provides an initial 250 rack positions, but when fully developed will offer a total of 1,000 racks and more than 40,000 sq ft of net technical space.

A total of 200 Samsung cameras and domes will be installed but in line with phase one of the facility’s development, Destination 5 has so far installed a total of 63 units comprising 37 SND-5061 1.3 megapixel network dome cameras which are part of Samsung’s ‘affordable’ LiteNet range and 19 SNO-5080R 1.3 megapixel weatherproof network bullet cameras. These have built-in varifocal lens and IR LEDs which enable them to deliver high definition images both during the day and at night. In addition, seven SNP-5200 1.3 megapixel PTZ dome cameras have been installed. These incorporate a true day/night camera and feature a 20x optical zoom lens to monitor close up detail of any activity.

Images from all of the cameras are transmitted over a designated security LAN to the secure Datum control room where they are recorded and stored for up to 90 days on one of four Samsung SRN-1670s which, whilst delivering all the benefits of an NVR (network video recorder), have the look and familiarity of a DVR. Unlike most NVRs which can only be programmed remotely, the SRN-1670D can be locally configured and controlled with the help of a mouse.

“The evidence grade quality of the images which we are monitoring with the help of Samsung Security Manager (SSM) software is extremely impressive," said Datum’s Head of Security, Clive Mears. “Equally important from an operator’s point of view however is how easy it is to use. For example, when viewing live images or reviewing pre-recorded video, we can choose a display configuration which best matches the number of cameras we need to monitor at any one time, and having decided on which configuration is best for any particular situation, we can then save it for future use.”

Following on from the success of the first phase, Destination 5, which also installed the datacentre’s access control, intercoms and intruder detection systems, has been contracted to install the remaining 137 Samsung cameras and domes.