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Colo Security and the Three Little Pigs

Members of the ISP-Colo list debate the relative merits of materials for front doors: solid steel, bulletproof glass, or thick wood. Ask your security guard before making a selection, and don't forget the three little pigs.

[April 26, 2002]

On the ISP-Colo list in April, SW inquired,

"We are trying to decide what kind of doors to use for our colo space. Every colo I've seen has used steel or at least solid wood doors. However, to enhance the look of our building, the architect has put in glass doors with aluminum frames. We do have 24/7 guards: is there any reason we shouldn't do this with glass doors?"

CL suggested that earthquakes might be a concern:

"I would think the main consideration would be seismic: if you are in an earthquake-prone area, I wouldn't think it would be advantageous to have glass doors."

DJ added that a solidly built glass door should be just as strong as a steel one:

"Most of these doors are tempered glass, which makes them at least as strong as solid wood doors. Plenty of 'steel' doors are just a thin layer of steel over a less dense core, and are of only marginally greater security value. Seismic concerns may be important, though the overall visibility issue (the security of seeing in and out) should overwhelm any moderate risk of seismic damage."

Others contended that it's a waste of time to worry too much about physical security:

[RS laughed] "I think a good-looking, solid-looking door is a good idea. Anything else is just overkill. Just get nice doors, the ones the architect wants you to get, and hire a $7-an-hour tech to call the police if anything happens. Be realistic: when you blow all your money on bomb-proof doors, the auction company that comes to sell all your stuff won't care what your doors are made of."

[NC added] "Security is really just a way to help the execs sleep at night. It might also reduce your insurance rates a bit."

JP, on the other hand, recommended going all the way:

"Glass? Forget it: get some four inch think steel blast doors off an old decommissioned missile silo-a bank vault door would work well, too."

—End