CBTS (CBTS Lebanon) Data Center

CBTS provides comprehensive, best-of-breed technology platforms to its data center customers, offering both on-demand dedicated and shared access to a wide range of services. These services span from Infrastructure Monitoring and Management and Full Outsourcing to specialized areas like an Enterprise Network Operations Center and Tier 1, 2, and 3 Incident Management. Further capabilities include Advanced Engineering and Operations, Architecture and Design, and robust IT Governance frameworks encompassing Change Management, Release Management, and Problem Management, all aimed at providing stable and efficient IT infrastructure operations.

Recognizing the need for a reliable and scalable environment, CBTS's core competency lies in operating high-performance IT infrastructure. They own and operate ten geographically dispersed data centers in the Midwest, strategically positioned to leverage their own transport grid, redundant power, and advanced security platforms. This allows companies to gain the benefits of a hardened data center environment without the burden of significant capital expenditures, while accommodating compliance regulations, data growth, and security concerns.

A key advantage is CBTS's status as a subsidiary of Cincinnati Bell, which provides a variety of powerful bandwidth and connectivity options. Cincinnati Bell holds peering agreements with all major telecommunications carriers, offering customers flexible bandwidth solutions ranging from DSx – OCx speeds to tiered burstable connectivity from Level 3’s IP backbone (56k – 20MB/s speeds). Crucially, CBTS also maintains a unique, high-speed DWDM fiber loop that connects all ten data centers, facilitating superior business continuity and disaster recovery options.

CBTS ensures maximum uptime through a meticulously engineered 100% redundancy capability in its power delivery system. Power is secured from two separate external power grids, entering the facility and feeding disparate, separate UPS systems. This design ensures separate power feeds to each cabinet. In the event of a power outage, the UPS battery system provides immediate power, and backup generators seamlessly activate within one minute, making the process transparent to all customer equipment. Furthermore, all customer cabinets are properly grounded and protected with anti-static mats.

To maintain optimal operational conditions for IT equipment, CBTS data centers employ N+1 redundancy for all environmental controls. Temperature is continuously monitored and maintained between 70 – 74 Degrees and relative humidity between 40% – 60%. Multiple sensors report continuously to the building’s environmental management system, which is monitored 24x7. For fire safety, a sophisticated VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection System Appliance) proactively monitors for smoke particles and immediately alerts the ENOC and on-site personnel.

CBTS implements a rigorous seven-tier security approach to safeguard customer data. All facilities feature a secured environment, including 24x7 guards, closed-circuit TV monitoring, and electronic card-key access, alongside strict access procedures. Furthermore, the facilities boast exceptional structural integrity; for instance, the Cincinnati Data Center, built in 1930, features triple wall construction (brick, 12” reinforced concrete, brick) and a unique flexible foundation to absorb earth movement, ensuring protection against disaster.

CBTS data centers are committed to compliance, undergoing an annual SAS 70 Type II audit, with the verification report available to customers. Every three years, a HIPAA Compliance audit is also performed as part of the SAS 70 process, covering CBTS's obligations as a Business Associate for protecting PHI. Beyond physical infrastructure, CBTS offers virtual solutions such as a Private Partition in a CBTS data center and a Virtual Data Center that appears as a site on a client's private network, supported by various connectivity options (MPLS, VPN, Metro Ethernet) and a web portal for 24x7 server configuration and deployment.