Infrastructure
Atlas utilizes a virtually centralized model of infrastructure, i.e., Atlas engineers are able to work from nearly any location with secure, reliable access to Atlas systems housed in a robust and secure data center. The Atlas data center (located in Brunswick, Maine) is physically secure, is fire, UPS and generator protected, and staffs a 24x7 Help Desk. It receives power from two separate power grids and has two entirely separate, OC-48 capable, Internet pathways.
Atlas sponsors and utilizes the ISCS network security project (http://iscs.sourceforge.net) to secure all its internal data communications as well as data communications with its clients. All access is on an as-needed basis to prevent unauthorized access or escalation of privileges even in the event of a security breach. All traffic is encrypted and authenticated to protect our clients and ourselves against data theft or tampering. All user access is based upon X.509 certificates. Atlas controls its own, highly secured Public Key Infrastructure.
Before Atlas systems are placed into service, they are scanned and remediated for vulnerabilities, placed under the Atlas Host Intrusion Detection System, and scheduled for daily vulnerability assessments with the Atlas VA System. We take every precaution to ensure that our systems are secure for our sake and the sake of our clients. Finally, systems are placed under proactive monitoring and configured for self-healing of simple problems and automatic escalation to engineering staff in the event of more complex issues.
Atlas favors open source solutions for their flexibility, cost and freedom from vendor lock-in but bases product decisions upon business value. Proprietary systems are always used when they are clearly and justifiably superior.