Opinion ID: 171042
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Equipment for Telecommunications Data Centers

Text: Level 3 creates telecommunications networks  a kind of data highway  that form the internet's backbone. To operate its networks, Level 3 builds data facilities, known as co-location centers, about every 60 miles. Each co-location center, typically located in a metropolitan area, represents an internet-ready facility that Level 3 can lease to companies whose businesses rely heavily on internet connectivity. By leasing one of Level 3's co-location centers, a customer can install its computers and take advantage of Level 3's networks. Because damage to computers can lead to loss of data, which carries potentially disastrous consequences for the center's lessees, Level 3 offers a host of protections. A high quality co-location center comes equipped with raised floors and powerful air conditioning units to prevent overheating; surge protectors to guard against equipment damage from sudden spikes in the power supply; and power generators to ensure against long-term loss of power from a utility. Most critically, Level 3 installs in each co-location center multiple UPS systems. UPS systems, as their name suggests, guarantee that absolutely no loss of power occurs. In the event of a power outage from the utility company, power generators take over, but only after the initial 7 to 15 seconds that it takes for them to start. In this short interval, when no other power source is available, a UPS system ensures that all critical components of a co-location facility  for example, data storage devices  continue to receive power. Not surprisingly, one of UPS systems' main components are their batteries, which contain the power these systems need to function. Liebert manufactures various equipment used in co-location centers. Among other things, Liebert manufactures UPS systems, although not the accompanying batteries. Those are produced by GNB Technologies (GNB), among other battery manufacturers. Stillwell-Hansen is Liebert's authorized sales representative and represented Liebert in its business transactions with Level 3.