USE.   The purpose of the Data Center is to house company mission critical computer and electronic systems.  Therefore the protection of the data center is of paramount importance.  

PROHIBITED USES.  The data center is not to be used as a prep area for systems, as a meeting room, as a storage room, or other functions that are not in-line with the primary purpose of the facility.  Systems in the data center are not be used as end-user workstations.  The data center should not function as an office for any employee.  

ACCESS.  The access to the data center is via a card reader security system.  Only certain department groups of users within the company are provided access, NOC supervisors and higher, Operations, Engineering (in Reston), and Information Technology.

VISITORS.  All visitors will be escorted by a Pathnet employee at all times.  Excessive foot traffic to the data center should be minimized unless business related.  Contractors in the data center should have signed the company non-disclosure agreement and computer use policies.

SECURITY.  All doors to the data center will remain closed and locked via the card reader system.  There should be no shared use of access cards.

CONTAMINANTS.  No food, drinks, smoking, or chewing tobacco are allowed in the data center.  Only metal fire proof garbage cans will be used, and emptied daily.  No trash shall be left in the data center.  No cardboard boxes shall be stored in the data center.

EQUIPMENT.  The installation and/or removal of data center equipment/systems in the racks/cabinets must be approved by either the Director of IT Services or the CIO.

SOFTWARE.  The installation of software onto any data center equipment must be approved by either the Director of IT Services or the CIO.

PRINTERS.  No printers will be located in the data center.  This is due to the load on the UPS and the dust from the paper.

EQUIPMENT INSTALL.  Equipment to be installed into the data center should be unpacked and prepped outside of the data center.  The systems should be installed only when ready to go into operation.

MAINTENANCE.  Network staff will ensure environmental equipment is maintained to include fire detection/suppression and air conditioning systems.  A maintenance firm will check the HVAC units regularly and air filters will be replaced on a periodic basis.  Tests of the UPS and Generator will be conducted on a regular schedule.  The subfloor will be vacuumed as needed with a cleaner that has a .5 micron or better exhaust filtration capability.

DISTURBANCES.  Load conversations or disruptions should be minimized.