5 Reasons Why A Bank Vault Won't Suffice
Posted by Christine DeFazio on Tue, Oct 12, 2010
Peace of Mind
Your proprietary information needs to be stored in a secure place, but where? Software developers and End-Users alike often feel that storing their media within a bank vault is secure because if it's safe enough to store their money why not their media? This is a common misunderstanding. A media vault is what offers the most protection.
These 5 reasons will help you better understand why a bank vault is not the ideal storage facility for source code or technology.
1. Most bank vaults are not temperature controlled.
Why does this matter?
The temperature and humidity need to be maintained at a level that will not destroy the deposit. A fluctuation in temperature can greatly affect the media. You want to find an escrow agent that uses a vault with air filtration, temperature and humidity controls, and back-up generators to prevent power outages.
2. Most bank vaults are cement vaults.
Why does this matter?
You want your media to be stored in vaults made of heat-resistant materials that provide high temperature insulation for a duration of at least four hours. Cement vaults also produce mold, mildew and dust which will infect the deposit. A media specific vault will have dust and vapor resistant lighting which prevent corrosion.
3. Most bank vaults do not have magnetic shielding.
Why does this matter?
Magnetic fields and electrical interference can contribute to the degradation and destruction of the media.
4. Not all banks have a non-water based suppression system.
Why does this matter?
Like oil and water, electronic media and water don't mix. If a fire were to occur, you want to know that there is a fire-suppression system in place that will not destroy the deposit, but protect it. For example, the FM 200 waterless system can extinguish fires in 10 or less seconds (DuPont FM 200).
5. If a bank were to close or go out of business you would have to go through the FDIC to collect your escrowed deposit.
Why does this matter?
When escrowed with the proper vendor and vault, you should be able to access your information when needed even if they were to go out of business. Also check to see if they have professional liability insurance to cover their actions unlike the FDIC. Trying to go through the "red-tape" to retrieve your deposit will result in loss in productivity and business continuity.
Remember . . .
When you're shopping around for a technology escrow provider, ask for their media vault specifications. You want a vault with temperature and humidity controls, air filtration, high temperature insulation, magnetic shielding and a non-water suppression system.
Computer media does not last long and while it's vital to your business continuity you need to make every effort to extend its shelf-life. You must also consider the legal obligations that require you to hold your proprietary information in escrow and the long-term consequences that could occur with loss of this critical media.