Disaster Preparedness - Supporting Our Customers 24/7
Network Systems
The FleetNet America network and system infrastructure is focused on its ability to function during a disaster as well as allow for growth. The key to this is to provide a flexible, yet fault tolerant solution upon which additional redundancies are utilized in order to minimize the risk of a problem whereby data is unavailable.
Servers
The server infrastructure at FleetNet is setup in such a way that provides a full range of redundancy and fault tolerance. The core database applications which are relied upon for the most accurate and up to date data for all of our call coordinators is running on a clustered SQL database. This provides us a fully redundant server in which a complete failure can occur on the primary database server; while another node of the cluster is then able to take over all operations, without any database workflow interruption. This essentially will be seamless to each of the users of the database system.
Each server in the cluster is connected to a SAN (Storage Area Network) where the data for the SQL database is housed. This SAN has redundant connection points to the servers in the cluster, as well as provides the hardware for redundant power supplies, redundant disk drives using RAID 5 configuration with hot-spares available. In the event of a hard drive failure, any of the drives can be removed while the system is running and be replaced with no impact to the live system. The data that was housed on that drive will then automatically be rebuilt.
In addition to this, the SAN infrastructure allows FleetNet America to grow its data storage needs up to 18 Terabytes of storage.
Physical Network
FleetNet’s physical network also provides for redundancy to ensure that there is no single point of failure. Our core network segment allows for high-speed gigabyte connectivity between each of its points. From there, redundant connections are made to each of the remote switches in the building. This provides for a ring effect to take place, where each packet of data will take the fastest path to get to its destination. In the event that break in the ring occurs, the data is able to take another path, if necessary.
Backup
In the event of a system failure, FleetNet’s backup system provides for many layers of recovery. First, each of our systems is backed up by our robotic tape library system. This system allows for fast and accurate backups of data. In addition to this, offsite storage of our data is provided in the event of a catastrophic event. Additionally, provisions have been put in place to allow for a remote site to be brought online in this type of disaster.
PC Workstations
Each of our workstations is connected to FleetNet’s network by using advanced features of both the workstation operating system as well as the server operating system. These advancements allow for a workstation to be brought online and fully operational in a very short period of time. Additionally, in the event of a particular workstation hardware failure, any of the call coordinators are able to move to another workstation and log to it and get all of their data and continue working with minimal downtime using roaming profile technology.
This also allows for all network users to be able to get to their important data from any machine on the network while maintaining their own desktop configuration, therefore providing minimal impact to our customers.
Phone System Redundancy
FleetNet’s phone system is fully redundant within the building. Additionally, in the event of a local failure, a remote site will allow all calls to be redirected to an offsite area, yet still be redirected to our core phone system through another connection point. There will be no impact felt by any customers as this redirection will occur automatically.
Cell Phone System for Added Redundancy
In the event that the phone service provider has a problem, we’ve created an alternative system utilizing a bank of dedicated cell phones to be utilized for both incoming and outgoing calls. A complete flow has been documented and a procedure has been created to facilitate this process. Customers will not be impacted due to the automated redirection of our toll free numbers to this system. The volume of calls have been analyzed and projected to allow for the backup system to allow for many calls to be sent to a person, and not just be given an automated message. Additionally, the local cell phone provider has given us information regarding cell phone towers to ensure that redundancy exists on their towers, as well as redundant towers existing in the area.
Electricity
Electricity losses do not occur because FleetNet has a 350KW Cummins powered generator on-site that supplies power to the entire facility. This unit was installed during the fourth quarter of 2002. All computers and strategic hardware are equipped with localized UPS battery backup for additional support when electric power is rerouted to generator power.
Building Structure and Security
FleetNet operates in a building that it fully owns and to date only utilizes approx. 60% of available floor space thus enabling substantial growth in the coming years. This building was constructed with a “bunker” mentality with critical features, like the computer servers, being below ground level. The building was constructed with steel and concrete with minimal window exposure (to minimize damage from tornados) and has a secure entry system with authorized persons having card access. Visitors must come through a reception area and register as such.
