Going Deep For SafetyGoing Deep For Safety

Looking for a safe place to put a primary or backup data center? How about 85 feet underground? Underground Secure Data Center Operations is offering space in a 100-year-old former gypsum mine in Grand Rapids, Mich. The facility, opened in July, consists of 750,000 square feet of naturally cooled corridors and subcorridors in which Underground has installed secure cages and computer racks.

About two dozen businesses, including a Web-hosting company, have leased space in the cave, says Underground partner Bob Savage. Most clients manage their systems remotely, but Underground provides round-the-clock staffing, as well.