Monday, November 17, 2008
San Diego’s Largest Colocation Provider American Internet Services (AIS) Acquires Complex Drive
Both world class service providers together deliver tomorrow’s best-in-breed, carrier-neutral data center solutions
American Internet Services (AIS), San Diego’s largest data center operator and Southern California’s fastest-growing colocation company, announced today that it has acquired Complex Drive, a well-established San Diego data center provider known for its advanced technology, expertise, and excellent support for the past 10 years.
By combining the collective technology, networking capacity and expertise of both companies, AIS and Complex Drive will deliver the widest range of carrier-neutral data center solutions to support their customers’ ever growing and changing business needs.
“We are extremely excited and proud to join forces with Complex Drive, which has built its reputation as one of San Diego’s finest data center operators for its flexibility, expertise and superior customer service,” said Chief Executive Officer of AIS, Alessandra Carrasco. “The joint strengths and values of both our companies equal a superior breed of service provider and benefit to our customers, partners and employees, across the board.”
Complex Drive CEO Joe McMillen stated, "San Diego customers will have access to best-of-breed services through this new partnership. Complex Drive and AIS have stood together in San Diego as the pinnacles of uptime and customer service, and together these two groups will create synergies that will bring even greater benefits to the Southern California region."
AIS recently announced the opening of its new 80,000-square-foot data center, a SAS 70 Type II certified facility offering carrier-neutral data center solutions. The addition of Complex Drive reflects AIS’ commitment to the San Diego market and to providing unparalleled resources in support of its customers’ infrastructure needs.
Effective immediately, Complex Drive will become a seamless part of the AIS family with no changes made to either company’s existing staff or management team, explained Carrasco. As a result of the new partnership, AIS will gain significant expertise in all key departments. “Our people are our most valuable assets, and we’re so proud to be able to welcome Complex Drive’s talented team into the AIS family,” Carrasco said.
About American Internet Services
American Internet Services (AIS), San Diego's largest colocation company, has provided business-to-business services since 1994. The company currently owns and operates multiple data centers in San Diego, and has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure unsurpassed reliability, bandwidth, security, and redundancy for its worldwide clients. AIS’ data centers are carrier-neutral facilities designed as technology fortresses with N+1 (or greater) redundancy in bandwidth, power, HVAC, fire suppression, and security. The data centers offer a mix of cabinet, cage and data suites, as well as roof rights for microwave links and other antennae systems. For more information, visit www.americanis.net.
About Complex Drive
Established more than four years ago, Complex Drive has quickly grown to become one of San Diego’s most well-respected data center operators, comprising a total of 20,000 square feet within three state-of-the-art data center facilities throughout the burgeoning San Diego Spectrum business park of Kearny Mesa.
As the epicenter for Fiber and Telecom carriers in the city, Complex Drive’s campus is home to 11 different Tier 1 Fiber carriers. For more information, visit www.complexdrive.com.
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Thursday, September 18, 2008
American Internet Services Announces New Leadership and Grand Opening of Tier 4, 80,000 Square-Foot Data Center in San Diego
Alessandra Carrasco promoted to Chief Executive Officer to continue growth of AIS' state-of-the-art data center colocation facilities in the Western United States
American Internet Services (AIS), San Diego's largest data center and the fastest-growing data center colocation company in Southern California, today announced that Alessandra Carrasco, the company's current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer.
The announcement will be made today at the company's premiere Gala Grand Opening and Tech Expo at AIS' new, state-of-the-art Lightwave Data Center by Robert DeuPree, current CEO, who is stepping down effective immediately. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the Expo, where more than 30 booths from AIS' business partners, colocation customers and vendors such as Cox, NEC, Level 3, and Time Warner will showcase cutting-edge aspects of technology.
"I am thrilled to take the reins of this successful company at a point where there is so much potential for growth and success," Carrasco said. "I will work with the rest of the management team to ensure that AIS will continue to be the major player in the colocation business. Our new Lightwave Data Center in San Diego is a perfect example of our expansion plans for state-of-the-art data centers throughout the Western United States. We have over 105,000 square feet of Tier 4 data center space in San Diego, making us strategically positioned for continued aggressive growth and success."
AIS' new Lightwave Data Center is the largest colocation facility in San Diego with more than 80,000 square feet. The center was designed as a technology fortress with N+1 (or greater) redundancy in all data center systems, including bandwidth, power, HVAC, fire suppression and security.
Carrasco has more than 17 years of management experience in the telecommunications and technology industries and has been responsible for running the day-to-day operations of AIS during the last 18 months. She has been with AIS since 2004.
Prior to joining AIS, Carrasco was a sales director for a colocation subsidiary of Allegiance Telecom. She was also the western regional sales manager for Advance Radio Telecom (ART); a director of global sales and marketing for Comsat International and held various business development positions with Alcatel Telecom. Carrasco received her bachelor's degree and Masters of Business Administration degree, specializing in high technology, from University of El Escorial in Madrid, Spain.
Carrasco replaces DeuPree, one of the founders who has led the company since its inception. The change comes as a result of the acquisition of AIS by Seaport Capital, a private equity firm with experience in expanding companies to be leaders in their markets.
"Alessandra is passionate about our business and has the management skills and wherewithal to direct the company at this important juncture," DeuPree said. "AIS is currently the leader in state-of-the-art data center facilities in San Diego, and now with Seaport's involvement, the company will be able to expand into new regions with the technology and systems we have developed."
AIS was acquired by Seaport because of its leadership position in the San Diego market, high profit margins, talented staff, and enormous potential for rapid growth. Under Seaport's direction, AIS is continuing operations as usual, with all of its previous employees. The company plans to expand its business model to include development in locations throughout the Western region of the United States.
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AMERICAN INTERNET SERVICES CALLS FOR EXHIBITORS FOR 2008 TECH EXPO
American Internet Services (AIS) is hosting its first technology expo on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Located in the Lightwave Data Center, opened earlier this year, the AIS Tech Expo is a welcoming event, a long overdue celebration of San Diego�s largest colocation facility and a casual, festive meeting place for technology vendors, developers, investors, and all area businesses.
AIS is accepting applications now to participate in the event as a vendor or exhibitor, as well as accepting RSVPs for attendees.
AIS�s 80,000 sq/ft Lightwave Data Center opened to customers in January 2008. The Lightwave facility is designed as a technology fortress, with N+1 (or greater) redundancy in bandwidth, power, HVAC, fire suppression and security. The new Lightwave facility augments the AIS data center services at the Sorrento Mesa and Los Angeles colocation facilities, making AIS the largest and fastest growing data center colocation company in Southern California.
AIS is using the special opportunity of their first Tech Expo to double as a grand opening celebration to thank their business friends and associates. �We are eagerly inviting attendees and exhibitors from all corners of the technology sector. Along with our grand opening,� says COO Alessandra Carrasco, �AIS will be debuting our first Technology Expo, with over 30 booths showcasing all aspects of technology, represented by our business partners, colocation customers, and vendors.�
The AIS 2008 Tech Expo is a fusion of rigorous, cutting-edge technology and personal, service-oriented community. The events include:
- Delicious catered food and beverages for all guests
- Extensive guided tours of the Lightwave facility, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Lightwave data center systems and utility rooms
- Booths featuring local and national vendors
- Technology- and business-centered exhibits
- Free to attend (please RSVP)
AIS is now accepting applications for exhibitors for the 2008 Tech Expo. Booths with supplied power, bandwidth, and hardware are available, and early registration is encouraged in order to secure a space. Participating in the newest Tech Expo in San Diego is a great opportunity for companies to present themselves to a performance-savvy audience, as well as providing a few hours to enjoy the best of San Diego technology. �The time to host this Tech Expo is perfect. Knowing how many vendors, customers, and business partners we have,� Riley Davis, senior business development manager, explains, �it�s going to be exciting for everyone to showcase to each other and to see new faces.�
Get more information about the 2008 AIS Tech Expo by e-mailing rsvp@americanis.net or contacting Eric Huntington at (858) 576-4272, extension 144.
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SDG&E Commends American Internet Services For Participating In "Demand Response" Energy Program
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) awarded American Internet Services with a certificate of excellence to commend their participation in SDG&E's Demand Response and Energy Efficiency programs.
American Internet Services (AIS) has been a committed participant in SDG&E Demand Response programs for over a year and is continuing with this program in 2008. "We joined this program in 2007," says Alessandra Carrasco, Chief Operating Officer of AIS, "both to limit our environmental footprint and to curb excess electrical usage."
The program encourages AIS to control its electrical consumption as part of SDG&E overall efforts to stabilize the utility grid during electricity usage spikes. AIS implemented energy-saving measures to optimize their electricity usage without affecting performance, including:
- Replacing equipment with Energy Star-compliant hardware (so equipment powers up slowly, flattening energy spikes)
- Installing variable-frequency drives (VFDs) on large equipment to reduce their energy consumption.
"AIS's participation in demand-response events helped us manage electricity demand during several critical times," writes Hal Snyder, SDG&E's vice president of Customer Programs, in his April 11 letter of appreciation, "and helped make a difference for our communities, the region and the environment."
SDG&E's demand limiting programs were launched in 2004 as an answer to previous energy shortages. These programs have two goals:
- Reduce the amount of energy used during high-demand periods
- Stabilize systemwide energy use to prevent blackouts or outages
The Demand Response programs temporarily reduce and shift energy loads during high demand periods. Spikes in systemwide consumption, such as during unusually hot days, can cause blackouts. By reducing or moving electrical consumption during peak demand, the overall electrical grid is stabilized. As the certificate of excellence states, SDG&E's "demand response programs � are designed to conserve energy resources and maintain energy reliability."
The Demand Response program is a voluntary way for businesses to temporarily cut back on energy use in a defined, controlled way. Both of AIS's San Diego data center campuses are participating in Demand Response and Energy Efficiency programs as a continuing commitment to serving their community.
AIS has been providing colocation, outsourced data center solutions and Internet services since 1994 to Fortune 500 clients in a variety of industries, including leading financial institutions, credit card companies, government contractors, IT outsourcing providers, pharmaceuticals manufacturers, and online entertainment and gaming companies, among others. AIS also serves a broad range of small and medium-sized business customers.
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008
AMERICAN INTERNET SERVICES (AIS) RECEIVES SAS 70 TYPE II CERTIFICATION
San Diego, CA, February 13, 2008: American Internet Services (AIS) has received SAS 70 Type II audit certification from independent auditing firm DuPont & Morgan, LLP. SAS 70 certification is an internationally-recognized standard which reviews all levels of technology service providers over a six-month period for business practices, communication, internal procedures, and security.
DuPont & Morgan, based in Nashville, TN, is a premier CPA and independent auditing firm which specializes in SAS 70 audits for technology providers. Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70 is an auditing standard created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants that applies specifically to service organizations. SAS 70 is also a field audit, and for the Type II review, DuPont & Morgan auditors spent six months, July through December, on-site investigating AIS. Auditors went through almost 190 different control and policy areas, from physical security to accounting practices.
Its emphasis on information technology and security makes the SAS 70 certification an important priority for AIS. "We have always had the utmost confidence that all of our controls and procedures in place are operating at the rigorous standards we have set," says Alessandra Carrasco, COO and executive vice president at AIS. "This certification adds yet another layer of assurance to our customers that our services are secure, precise, and fully compliant with regulations as set by Sarbanes-Oxley."
This audit certification is setting the standard with state-of-the-art data centers; as businesses continue to outsource their colocation, SAS 70 Type II certification provides an in-depth and reliable way to verify the service quality.
SAS 70 audits look for five major areas:
- Customer communication practices
- Internal operations, which includes procedures, corporate ethics, and defined workplace codes
- Monitoring of internal systems
- Control activities, meaning the management policies in place at every level of the company
- Overall organizational attitude
For IT providers, this audit also focuses on safeguards for how customer data and records are handled, focusing on:
- Data security and integrity
- Physical security
- Design, development, and change cycles for hardware and software systems
- Records maintenance
- Client and customer policies
With this latest audit, AIS is certified for another year as an accredited colocation service provider for any Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA compliant organization. "As the completion of this independent audit verifies," emphasizes Carrasco, "the services that our customers entrust with AIS are 100% functional and secure."
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AMERICAN INTERNET SERVICES (AIS) OPENS SECOND DATA CENTER
San Diego, CA, July 05, 2007: American Internet Services (www.AmericanIS.net) announced today the launch of a new 80,000 sq ft, state of the art, data center in San Diego. American Internet Services (AIS) is now the largest independent Colocation provider in Southern California with more than 105,000 feet of premier Data Center and Colocation space. The new facility is located at 9305 Lightwave Ave in San Diego.
American Internet Services' first facility is located in the San Diego Tech Center. This world class facility provides collocation services to many Fortune 500 clients. AIS will maintain both San Diego data centers providing services both in the Golden Triangle/La Jolla area on the west side of San Diego and in the new San Diego Spectrum located in the Clairemont Mesa area on the east side of San Diego.
When asked how AIS has been able to double its revenue in just over one year, Robert DeuPree, Chief Executive Officer said "American Internet Services' amazing growth is attributed to two major factors. The first is our clients demand for highly reliable, secure data center space and our ability to meet that need. The second and most important reason is that we set ourselves apart from the competition by providing the best bandwidth, most uptime and the best customer service. AIS is setting the industry standards for colocation".
Many Fortune 50 clients, including several well recognized "household" names and financial institutions that simply cannot afford to go down and demand the ultimate in customer service choose American Internet Services.
Key Features of the new colocation data center include:
- 13 Megawatts of Power
- 1500 Tons of Cooling
- Redundant UPS systems
- Performance routing across 6 major backbones
- Redundant feeds to redundant power substations and redundant generators
- N+1 or greater redundancy on all data center and network systems
- State of the Art Security
- 7x24 Staffing and remote hands
- Standard setting customer service
- Located between the 52, 15 and 163 freeways and Montgomery Field
AIS has been providing data center colocation space and Internet Services since 1994 to Fortune 500 clients in a variety of industries including leading Financial Institutions, Credit Card companies, Government contractors, IT outsourcing providers, Pharmaceuticals manufacturers, Online Entertainment and Gaming companies among others. AIS also serves a broad range of small and medium sized business customers.
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