Atos chooses Southco's access systems for datacentre security

Over the last two and a half years ATOS has sharpened its focus on the datacentre market and established its credentials within this growing sector. Primarily, its success has been due to its high-performance cooling system, which places the air flow close to the servers rather than implementing basic circulation from the top to the floor. In addition, ATOS recognised that both physical and network security was a vital factor in the datacentre sector, as breaches of security not only cause major downtime and operational losses but also impact on a company's integrity and image in the market. In addition, enhanced security was a key element in ATOS's product offering and the company approached Southco to provide a reliable, intelligent electronic latching system for datacenter enclosures. For ATOS, Southco was an excellent collaborator because the company could offer easy to implement, flexible and highly secure electronic access options as well as excellent technical support.

Specifically, ATOS opted for Southco's H3-EM electronic locking swinghandle and EA-K1 keypad access controller because ATOS believed it to be an access system suitable for the company's security requirements.

Ludovic Hamadi, head of the ATOS IT business unit, explains: "The level of security and flexibility that the H3-EM provides is unparalleled. With the H3-EM, It is possible to integrate many different types of specific programming to implement security measures and the remote monitoring feature is a key advantage. Also, if there is an electrical breakdown, the final user still has the possibility to open the door manually; no other product on the market offers this feature."

Fully customised and designed to be tailored to accommodate multiple rack sizes and configurations, Southco's H3-EM swinghandle provides efficient electronic access to datacentre cabinets and industrial enclosures. Incorporating integrated sensors and multiple output signals that provide data for both local and remote monitoring, the H3-EM can be integrated with industry-standard rack monitoring equipment with a simple retrofit. The efficient microprocessor-controlled gear motor design ensures minimal power consumption and outputs for multi-event status reporting. Designed as an electronic locking platform for indoor applications, the swinghandle can be combined with any access control device for a basic self-contained electronic access system.

Remote monitoring

Its integrated sensors detect both lock and latch status to provide local LED indication plus multiple outputs for remote monitoring. The swinghandle provides momentary or continuous lock actuation and satisfies both single and multipoint enclosure latching needs. The ergonomic H3-EM draws minimum power and can be easily retrofitted and integrated with industry-standard rack monitoring systems. Furthermore, it fits industry-standard panel preparations and accommodates both left and right doors.

Southco's EA-K1 keypad access controller provides the means for simplified, affordable, keyless entry to any basic electronic lock. Presenting user-friendly installation and programming, the controller eliminates the need for physical key management and offers higher security. The EA-K1 offers "plug and play' simplicity with a programmable keypad featuring both audible and LED feedback. The keypad enables up to seven unique pass codes between four and eight digits, comprising 99 million combinations.

Natalie Brannelly, industry marketing manager for diversified technologies at Southco, takes up the story: "It is no wonder that companies dealing with access control operations of enclosures are looking to collaborate with specialist market-leading companies like Southco, when it comes to access hardware. At Southco, we have combined our expertise in engineered access solutions with innovative electronic latching and access for the ultimate in intelligent, secure, ergonomic access control. We provide a variety of electronic access devices to suit a wide array of application requirements. Specifically, for datacentre enclosures, we have developed electronic latching technology that offers the most superior solution in the market place. Primarily, this is achieved by the operation of an electro-mechanical latching system through a gear motor which makes it more reliable and less energy consuming."

Ludovic Hamadi says: "Southco's H3-EM and EA-K1 are easy to implement, highly secure and reliable, and all of our clients have been very satisfied with the results. ATOS and Southco have proved to be perfect partners."

Please visit www.southco.com for more information about the H3-EM electronic locking swinghandle and EA-K1 keypad access controller.