Hosting & Technologies

Medcost can host sites on its server facility. The Medcost server facility currently hosts over more than 150 medical sites, with 8 000 patient files and serves around 10 million pages a month.

Platform description

Our hosting plateform has 2 high-band internet connection :

• one line with a total capacity of 3 Mbits/sec. This line links Medcost to the PARIX interconnection site - one of the main nodes in central Paris. The link is secured by a fallback line connected to another access point. If the link should happen to temporarily fail, the fallback line will automatically replace it during downtime of the prime link. Fail over is handled by routers in permanent communication;
• one 256 kbps fallback line connected to the Capitole POP (Point Of Presence) in Nanterre. This fallback line is itself backed-up by another data link.

This secured dual link arrangement connected to separate POPs means that our hosted sites reap the benefit of optimal availability (around 99,9%).

Services Included in Hosting

• Installation, configuration and maintenance on test and production servers
  
• HTTP server configuration and connection to database.
  
• Unlimited disk space and tape storage.
  
• Administrator Helpdesk on business days and hours (9 am to 6 pm)
  
• Configuration and management of the security systems protecting access to data, including development of a database of users and their access rights.
  
• Installation of data securing procedures.
  
• Daily backups on DAT tapes and disk
  
• Traffic Statistic monthly report .

Security

Logical security : Access to the platform is protected by a firewall.

Security of Premises : Access to Medcost's premises is restricted by a reinforced door equipped with an alarm system. Our servers are installed in a special air-conditioned room, accessible only to system administrators (dual control over access by badge and password).

Data Backups : Information in the database stocked on the Medcost server is backed-up to tape daily, and then archived in an armoured fireproof safe.

Sites Surveillance : There is an administrator on duty 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sites are kept under permanent scrutiny by a surveillance system. This surveillance system automatically deals with minor incidents. In case of major trouble, the administrator can access the production platform within an hour.

Administration

Four administrators works at the server facility :

• Our facility manager handles architecture design, security system design, installation of new software components, and application of any necessary software patches.
  
• Our availability manager chooses and installs service availability and backup/restoration tools and utilities, covering: repetitions, distributor flow management, backup tool control, server administration. The main administrator can take over responsibility of the facility in the event of staff absence.
  
• Our assistant administrator handles DNS management, access rights management, site creation, and assists with the configuration of new hardware systems.
  
• Our database administrator deals with the maintenance unit, parameterisation and replication script development.

Client representatives are entitled to visit Medcost's premises without notice, to check on proper application of the security systems and procedures.