Case Study: Tailored Solutions for Data Center SecurityCase Study:

Project Overview:

The modern era of data management and storage has ushered in a new wave of challenges and opportunities for infrastructure design and security. As businesses increasingly rely on data centers as the backbone of their operations, the need for reliable, scalable, and secure storage solutions has become critical. 

This case study delves into the partnership between WireCrafters and Industrial Shelving Solutions as they vie to fulfill the needs of an anonymous customer by designing and implementing a data center cage that meets the rigorous standards of security, flexibility, and efficiency.

Customer Description

The customer presented unique challenges and requirements for their infrastructure deployment. First, their primary concern was a secure enclosure to protect their servers and sensitive information. This necessitated a solution that provided robust physical security and integrated seamlessly with their existing utilities suspended from the ceiling. 

Additionally, the customer emphasized optimizing space usage within their facility. They specifically sought fencing solutions that could be installed as close to the ceiling as possible to enhance security measures and maximize the available space for other critical infrastructure components.

Why Choose WireCrafters?

WireCrafters allowed us to give our customers a tailored solution that provides security and the ability to manage the network of utilities suspended from the ceiling. The high-security awareness and ease of installation made it easy to partner with WireCrafters.

Careful planning and coordination between the two teams minimized disruption to the customer’s day-to-day operations during installation. WireCrafters understood and addressed the customer’s specific needs from start to finish.

The WireCrafters Difference

Since being established in 1967 as a wire job shop, WireCrafters has become the nation’s leading producer of wire partition products. Contrary to traditional systems, our woven and welded wire partitions are based on the simple idea that panels stack one on top of the other between tubular posts to reach the finished partition height. The ability to create customizable-sized panels sets us apart from all other competitors.

Our mission is to provide our customers with creative solutions for their safety, security, and storage needs while meeting commitments with exceptional quality by people who care.

To learn more about WireCrafters, visit www.wirecrafters.com or follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

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The Benefits of Data Center Security Cages

Security is not just a priority in data management—it's necessary! Data centers, the nerve centers of digital operations, store and process vast amounts of sensitive information critical to businesses and organizations worldwide. As threats to data security continue to evolve, it becomes imperative for data center operators to protect their physical infrastructure against unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Enter data center security cages—an indispensable component of modern security strategies. These cages offer many benefits beyond traditional security measures, providing enhanced protection and peace of mind for data center operators and stakeholders.

What Are Data Center Security Cages?

Data center security cages are physical enclosures constructed using high-strength materials such as welded wire mesh or steel panels. They are designed to create secure areas within the data center facility and allow operators to restrict access to sensitive equipment, servers, and infrastructure.

Key Benefits of Data Center Security Cages:

1. Keep Your Data Secure:

Data center security cages are robust barriers that deter unauthorized access and protect valuable assets from theft, vandalism, and tampering. By establishing secure perimeters around critical infrastructure, data center operators can mitigate the risk of unauthorized entry and ensure the integrity of their operations.

2. Modular Design:

By employing modular components, data center cages can be easily customized and adjusted to meet businesses’ evolving needs. This adaptability allows for seamless expansion or reconfiguration of the cage layout, accommodating changes in equipment, density requirements, and security protocols. Additionally, modular design facilitates efficient resource deployment, streamlining installation processes and minimizing downtime. Ultimately, the modular approach enhances the agility and resilience of data center infrastructure, empowering organizations to optimize their operations in response to dynamic market demands and technological advancements.

3. Optimal Use of Space

Building a data center cage with WireCrafters guarantees efficient space utilization, a hallmark of our design philosophy. Our expertise is maximizing every square foot of the cage, ensuring optimal functionality without sacrificing space constraints. Our innovative layouts and modular components allow for precise customization tailored to the specific needs of the data center environment. This efficiency enhances the overall operational capacity of the data center and optimizes resource utilization, making WireCrafters a preferred choice for businesses seeking to optimize their data center footprint. 

As data center operations evolve, scalability and flexibility become essential considerations. Security cages offer scalability by allowing operators to add or reconfigure enclosures as needed, accommodating changes in infrastructure and capacity requirements without compromising security or efficiency.

4. Sleek and Professional Design

WireCrafters excels in crafting sleek and professional designs for data center cages, setting a standard for functionality and aesthetics. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the cage, from the structural framework to the finishing touches, reflects precision and quality. With a focus on a quality product using durable materials and customization options, WireCrafters creates cages that seamlessly integrate into modern data center environments while upholding the highest standards of security and accessibility. The result is a visually appealing and efficiently organized space that not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the facility but also optimizes workflow and maximizes operational efficiency.

5. Unlimited Customization

One significant advantage of data center security cages is their customizable design. Cages can be tailored to fit the specific layout and requirements of the data center facility, allowing operators to create secure enclosures of various sizes and configurations. 

At WireCrafters, we pride ourselves on taking on customization jobs and meeting customers’ unique requests! From various mesh types to designed color choices, we offer a spectrum of options for clients seeking personalized solutions. 

We provide a wide selection of wire mesh options ideally tailored for data center cages, including 2”x1” woven, 3/4​​" woven, and welded mesh variants. Our signature 2”x1” woven mesh offers a robust construction ensuring enhanced security and protection against intrusion. Our 3/4" woven mesh, with a tighter weave pattern, provides excellent visibility and airflow while maintaining high levels of security, making it an optimal choice for data center enclosures. Our 1” square welded wire mesh boasts superior strength and durability, protecting data center cages against unauthorized access and physical threats. With our number of wire mesh options, data center operators can confidently reinforce their security infrastructure while maximizing visibility and airflow within their facilities! 

Additionally, we offer custom color choices, allowing clients to align their cages with branding or facility aesthetics. This level of customization extends beyond aesthetics; it ensures that the cages meet specific security, ventilation, and access requirements unique to each data center environment.

Whether protecting a small server room or an entire data hall, a WireCrafters data security cage can be adapted to meet the unique needs of any environment.

Contact us or request a quote for more information.

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To learn more about WireCrafters, visit www.wirecrafters.com or follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Data Center Security 101: How WireCrafters Solutions Keep Your Facility Safe

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, data centers are the backbone of our technological infrastructure. These facilities store, process, and distribute vast amounts of sensitive information critical to businesses, organizations, and individuals worldwide. Consequently, ensuring the security of these data centers is paramount in safeguarding valuable assets and maintaining operational integrity.

Enter WireCrafters, a leading provider of innovative security solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of modern data center environments. With a comprehensive approach to data center security, we offer a range of products designed to fortify physical barriers, control access points, and mitigate potential threats effectively.

What Are Data Center Security Cages?

Data center security cages are physical enclosures constructed using high-strength materials such as welded wire mesh or steel panels. These cages are designed to create secure areas within the data center facility, allowing operators to restrict access to sensitive equipment, servers, and infrastructure.

Understanding Data Center Security Challenges

Data centers face multifaceted security challenges, ranging from unauthorized access and theft to vandalism and sabotage. Additionally, with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, protecting physical infrastructure has become inseparable from defending against digital attacks.

Traditional security measures, such as perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras, form the foundation of data center security. However, as threats evolve, so must the strategies and technologies used to counter them.

The WireCrafters Advantage

WireCrafters specializes in customizable security solutions that combine robust construction with innovative features to provide unparalleled protection for data center facilities. Let's explore some of the key offerings that make WireCrafters a preferred choice for enhancing data center security:

1. Modular Wire Partitions

Our wire partitions serve as versatile barriers, allowing data center operators to create secure enclosures around sensitive areas, equipment, and infrastructure. These partitions are designed for easy installation and can be customized to fit any facility’s unique layout and requirements.

2. Secure Access Control

Controlling access to critical areas within the data center is essential for preventing unauthorized entry and ensuring regulatory compliance. We offer a range of access control solutions, including keycard systems, keypad entry, and biometric authentication, to restrict access and track personnel movement effectively.

Additionally, if you need to tie locking devices into your own access control system, we have electric strikes and mag locks available. Our surface mount electric strikes are activated by electrical locking devices and are only available on hinge doors while the mag lock systems work similarly but only available on sliding doors only.

3. Tamper-Resistant Design

Our products are engineered with durability and tamper resistance in mind. Constructed from high-quality materials and featuring reinforced locking mechanisms, our security solutions withstand forced entry and tampering attempts, providing peace of mind to data center operators and stakeholders.

In an era defined by data-driven innovation and digital transformation, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information is non-negotiable. WireCrafters' comprehensive suite of security solutions offers data center operators the tools to mitigate risk, enhance compliance, and safeguard their most valuable assets against physical threats.

By investing in our proven security solutions, data center operators can establish a robust defense posture that meets current security challenges and adapts to future threats in an ever-evolving threat landscape. With WireCrafters, safeguarding your data center isn't just a priority—it's a promise of uncompromising security and peace of mind!

Contact us or request a quote for more information.

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To learn more about WireCrafters, visit www.wirecrafters.com or follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

How Custom Data Center Cages Can Make All the Difference

Countless businesses rely on the safekeeping of their data to survive. They need robust data centers to ensure the seamless operation of their digital infrastructure. As the demand for secure and efficient server storage grows, so does the need for tailored solutions. WireCrafters, a leading provider of custom server cages for data centers, understands the critical role that customized solutions play in meeting the unique needs of businesses. In this blog, we'll explore how custom data center cages can make all the difference, offering flexibility, myriad options, and enhanced security for your colocation data center.

Custom Cages Fit Your Needs

Off-the-shelf solutions might not always align with the specific requirements of your business. On the other hand, custom data center cages are designed with your unique needs in mind. Whether you're dealing with an irregularly shaped space or have specific security concerns, a tailored solution ensures that your server cage fits seamlessly into your environment. 

At WireCrafters, we take pride in delivering cages that meet industry standards and adhere to your data center’s specific demands. We often come onto a project during the planning stages of a customer’s data center layout. That way, we can collaborate and find the best server cage solution from the start.

A Multitude of Options

Every business has its own set of challenges, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won't suffice. WireCrafters offers a plethora of options when it comes to customizing your server cage. From different sizes and configurations to various lock options and access control features, you have the freedom to choose the elements that best suit your requirements. This level of flexibility ensures that your data center cage meets your immediate needs and is adaptable to future changes and expansions.

Here are some of the options that we offer:

As you can see, there is no shortage of options to meet your specific needs. Whether you need our standard-sized mesh or a much smaller version that provides extra security, we have the right solution for you.

Optimizing Space for Enhanced Security

At their core, data centers are all about security, and custom cages play a pivotal role in optimizing your space for maximum protection. We can help you strategically design your server cage layout to ensure the most efficient use of available space while maintaining the highest standards of security whether you need to separate different client areas within a colocation data center or enhance the overall security of your server room, a customized solution can be tailored to your specifications.

You may have data that needs to be kept with increased security. We can work with you to develop an impenetrable area that can only be accessed by approved personnel. 

How WireCrafters Can Help

WireCrafters is not just a manufacturer; we are your partner in creating a secure and efficient data center environment. Our team of experts collaborates with you to understand your unique challenges and goals, offering guidance and solutions that go beyond industry standards. With years of experience in the industry, we bring a wealth of knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your data center infrastructure.

When it comes to safeguarding your valuable data and ensuring the smooth operation of your server room, investing in a custom data center cage from WireCrafters is the best possible choice. Tailored to fit your needs, offering many options, and optimizing space for enhanced security, our solutions are designed to make the ultimate difference in protecting your data. Choose WireCrafters for a customized approach that sets your data center apart.

To learn more about WireCrafters, visit www.wirecrafters.com or follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Wire Partition Panels | Wells Fargo Case Study

Below, you will find how our quick ship wire partition panels were the perfect solution for Wells Fargo.

Dealer: Star Equipment, Minneapolis, MN.
Karl Rasmussen Project Manager

Contractor: Ryan Companies

Project: Wells Fargo, Downtown East Minneapolis, MN.

It Must Be Safe & Secure, And Make It Look Good

Ryan Companies was looking for a wire partition that would provide top security for Wells Fargo. In addition, he wanted it to be aesthetically pleasing in an office environment. Ryan prefers to work with local companies. So, they contacted Star Equipment, a material handling company also in Minneapolis. Star Equipment had the solution. So, they contacted WireCrafters, one of their partners for over twenty years.

We Want a White Tight Mesh Partition

wire partition for wells fargo

Wells Fargo required multiple wire mesh partition cages within their downtown facility. Therefore, we used two cages to protect entering the computer server rooms. Also, we used several more cages to control access to financial and confidential information. WireCrafters offers a variety of secure meshes. The standard mesh is a ten-gauge wire woven into a 2" x 1" rectangular style. We informed Star Equipment that they would need a much more secure mesh. Wells Fargo decided to stay with the ten-gauge wire but with a much tighter 3/4" square mesh. Pharmaceutical companies use this tighter mesh to control access to small pill bottles. Distributors of small liquor bottles also use this tighter mesh. In addition to the tight mesh, they also required white paint as opposed to the industrial gray color. WireCrafters has a state of the art powder coat system. We also stock white paint along with seven other common paint colors.

They Make the Complicated Look Easy

What appeared to be a very difficult request by most standards turned out to be a simple one for WireCrafters. A variety of mesh sizes and paint colors are stocked in their manufacturing facility in Louisville, KY.

 

Wire Partitions Secure Network Equipment - Presentation Academy

Working With The Local Community

Paula Samuels
Presentation Academy Director of Technology

Presentation Academy is an all girls Catholic high school in Louisville, Ky. It also happens to be the oldest Catholic high school in Louisville, but when it comes to technology, Presentation is on the cutting edge. When Presentation called us to help with their server cabinet security we were happy to help and donated the wire partition enclosure required.

Wire Partitions Protect Servers at Presentation Academy

Schools and Businesses Experience Same Security Issues

Like many businesses, high schools too have a need to secure the network infrastructure of their building. Server cabinets are used to house the computer equipment and WireCrafters wire partition enclosures are needed to provide security. Servers and other information system equipment should be locked and access controlled. Wire mesh partitions are perfect because they can fit nearly any configuration from a continuous long wall to doors between blade server racks to secure access. They don't inhibit ventilation or heat discharge. And it's modern looking, attractive security, not some fencing that makes the room look like a warehouse.

Separation and Security

Even in a locked, secure room, employees such as janitorial services, students, or maintenance crews may need access to the room but should never have access to servers. Servers that are behind security partitions are safer from intrusion and potential data breaches no matter who enters the room. Often, server rooms are dual-purpose with other storage or uses. This means you may not be able to keep people out of your server cabinet area, but you can keep them away from delicate equipment with lockable, wire security cages.

Data Center Physical Security with WireCrafters Server Cages

The Growing Trend in Data Center Physical Security

Anixter, a global distributor of communication and security products that works with the largest data centers and hosting facilities in the world, was recently providing their products to a data center when the customer requested they also provide the physical security cages as part of the entire package. Anixter specializes in data center solutions, electrical products, and electronic wire and cable so they turned to Container Systems to help incorporate the physical security solution.

Modular Server Cages - Reconfigure As Needs Change

WireCrafters standard Style 840 Wire Partitions were utilized in a Server Cage configuration to provide Anixter the security they required. The standard 10 gauge wire woven in a  2" x 1" rectangular mesh with its angle frame panel design is bolted to 2" square 14 gauge tubular posts. The wire partition goes from floor to ceiling with a minimum sweep space at the floor and a small opening across the top. Sliding doors on each caged area allow access to the server area without taking up any valuable aisle space; the door simply slides in front of the adjacent panel.

Each slide door is equipped with an electromagnetic lock which allows data center personnel wire a keypad or card reader to the door for additional controlled access. The wire partition posts are bolted down to a raised computer floor with a matching baseplate on the underside of the floor tile which provides a rigid connection.

Data Center Security You Can Count On

Anixter was very happy with the Data Center Physical Security solution that Container Systems provided. The modular system allows Anixter to expand the server cages as their customers' needs grow. WireCrafters is currently working with many data centers across the country, and although Anixter was able to utilize the standard Style 840 system, WireCrafters does supply custom mesh sizes such as 3/4" square and 1" square openings for even higher levels of security.

Container Systems has built their reputation of being one of the top material handling companies in the Chicago area by providing great products with great service at a fair price. Mike Wall, the President of Container Systems, is currently a board member for MHEDA, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association.

WireCrafters Secures Data Center Servers & Company Data [Case Study]

Windstream is the leading provider of advanced network communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas.

When Windstream began receiving their customers' servers and computer equipment into their data center, they needed to create a contained, secure area because of the sensitive information stored on the server equipment.

Project: Windstream Data Center

Distributor: Southwest Solutions Group - Addison, TX

Strong, Durable, and Impressive Hosting Colocation Cages

Windstream Data Centers divide their hosting facilities with WireCrafters secure wire partition server cages in their facilities across the country. These Server Colocation Cages are used to economically separate and secure customer specific server or network equipment. The easily reconfigurable Style 840 Wire Partitions utilize an open but secure design, allowing free circulation of light, HVAC, and fire suppression systems throughout the secured server storage areas.

Strong, durable, and attractive server cages are impressive to potential clients by paying  attention to quality and security.

Secure Cages for Data Centers

Secure Cage for Hosting Data Center Server CageThe receiving room, or temporary holding pen, at Windstream was outfitted with a secure server cage made up of WireCrafters Style 840 Wire Partitions.  A 3 x 7 hinged door was installed at one end of the secured area to allow personnel controlled access to the enclosure. At the opposite end of the enclosure, a five foot sliding door was installed to allow larger computer and server equipment to be brought into the area via a pallet jack.

Southwest Solutions installed the secure wire partitions around the shelving units that the computer and server equipment would be stored on. Windstream decided upon a 10'-5 1/4" high secure server cage which gave them security to the underside of the ceiling joists.

Server Security is Guaranteed

Our secure Server Cages are constructed of Style 840 Wire Partition panels made from 10 gauge wire, woven into a 2" x 1" rectangular mesh design. This wire mesh is then framed in a 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 1/8" hot rolled angle frame.

Depending on the size of the wire partition panels, we also weld a flat stiffener bar to the wire mesh and angle frame for added durability. WireCrafters designs our Secure Server Cages with all of the hardware on the inside of the enclosure for maximum security. With hardware only accessible from the inside of the secured enclosure, security is guaranteed. Ceilings are also available as an option to further increase the security of your server cage system.

WireCrafters offers free design & layout assistance, and has a national network of Dealers. Let us help with your next project!

How to Protect Servers, Network Equipment, & Client Data [Case Study]

Project: Tried and True Communications - St. Louis, MO

Dealer: Industrial Shelving Systems - St. Louis, MO

Protecting Customer Data & Equipment

Tried and True Communications provides network cabling and telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optics cabling, splicing, termination, restoration and emergency network response to

companies large and small throughout St. Louis, Missouri and surrounding areas. With this level of high-tech service comes the requirement for security at its highest level - whether they are protecting their own equipment, or their customers' data.

The expensive servers, along with the customer data stored on them, must be locked down and secured at all times. The most important aspect of providing network and telecommunications to a large client base is keeping your customers' data safe, secure, and separated at all times.

colocation enclosure for server racks in computer room

Telecommunication Professionals Choose WireCrafters

ISS (Industrial Shelving Systems) has been providing material handling solutions to the industrial and commercial markets in the St. Louis area for decades. Providing wire partitions in St. Louis for safety, security and separation has been their main area of expertise.

https://colocages.com/quick-ship/Tried and True Communications, needing a secure solution for protecting servers and network equipment, consulted with ISS and determined that a WireCrafters Server and Network Security Cage was the logical choice.

WireCrafters Server & Network Security Cages allow for side-by-side storage of multiple server racks while maintaining individual or multiple rack security. By keeping clients' equipment separated, you control access while benefitting from the shared conveniences of the facility - heating & cooling, fire suppression systems, etc. - while keeping all equipment visible and in plain sight.

colocation server cage racks

Server Cages with Options to Fit Every Application

In addition to their on-site inventory, WireCrafters woven wire partitions for server cages were used to secure servers and computer equipment, while also protecting their customers' data.

WireCrafters standard 8' high partitions were used to wrap around the underside of the overhead cable trays and other electrical equipment used within the facility, ensuring controlled access at every point. For access to the secured area, a 6' wide x 8' high sliding door was installed to allow for entry of large items such as server racks and other bulky equipment. A built in key lock was implemented for added security.

server security and colocation customized

WireCrafters Helps Protect High-Tech Business

Tried and True is a family-owned company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2009, the company has been building its diverse client base from day one. They started out with one van and a splice machine and have since built the company to become one of the premier telecom companies in the St. Louis area. WireCrafters and Industrial Shelving Systems are proud to be a part of this growing, high-tech success story.

server storage room with wire partition enclosure divider for network servers

Colocages by Wirecrafters