Examining Internet Data Centres in Malaysia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper provides an overview of Malaysian Internet Data Centres (iDCs). It identifies the different types of services offered, describes the iDCs' system and network infrastructure as well as its management and operations. The focus of the study is on commercial iDCs with customer base of at least three organizations. Personal interview techniques were used to collect information. Fifteen iDCs were identified and approached but only nine responded to the survey. Nevertheless, the study provided a general view of the iDCs. The study found that most of the iDCs studied subscribe to one Telco but multiple ISPs, and have Internet connection of at least 10Mbps. Many of these iDCs are equipped with an in-house security team and claim to be able to respond within an hour in the event of a disaster. The iDCs provide adequate security measures such as firewalls and passwords and practice certain storage solution as well as capacity planning to ensure scalability. However, many of these iDCs implement storage area network. In addition, the iDCs have Network Operation Centre and Call Centre, and are equipped with network monitoring and management tools. They claim that they are able to respond to any complaints within 30 minutes of receiving the complaint. The findings showed that more than half of the iDCs studied were found to be similar to typical, established foreign iDCs so far as infrastructure owned and services offered are concerned. In addition, the findings have illustrated that the establishment of the iDCs would increase the participation of local firms (especially the small medium enterprises) in E-Commerce activities as envisioned in the nation's economic plans.