DataCenter.BZ, has announced it has completed both a SOC 1 (SSAE 16) Type 2 audit and a SOC 2 Type 2 audit.

“As the leading carrier-neutral data center in Ohio, and the only high-density provider in the state, DataCenter.BZ remains committed to highest levels of standards and compliance, including a thorough examination of controls pursuant to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) methodologies for service organizations, including data center providers,” said Gordon Scherer, president and CTO at DataCenter.BZ. “These audit reports provide our customers a higher level of confidence that extensive controls, processes and protocols—pursuant to both SOC 1 (SSAE 16) and SOC 2 audit frameworks—are in place and maintained to help ensure their mission critical assets, systems and resources are protected."

A SOC 1 audit, prepared in accordance with Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization, is specifically intended to meet the needs of the managements of user entities and their auditors as they evaluate the effect of the controls at the service organization relevant to user entities’ financial reporting. As DataCenter.BZ hosts systems relevant to user entities’ financial reporting, a SOC 1 (SSAE 16) audit is required by various DataCenter.BZ customers.

A SOC 2 audit, prepared under AT Section 101, Attest Engagement (AICPA, Professional Standards), follows a predefined, rigorous framework to report on the controls of service organizations, including data center providers, including the design and effectiveness of policies, communications, procedures, and monitoring based on detailed criteria.

In both cases, whereas Type 1 audits focus on the validity of the controls in operation at a service organization to achieve specified control objectives as of a specified date, the more extensive Type 2 audits provide independent third-party verification by a licensed audit firm as to whether the controls and safeguards maintained by the service organization are operating effectively over a significant period of time.

"As one of the largest data center providers in Ohio with a commitment to innovation, advancement and transparency, we are early adopters of annually undertaking both SOC 1 and SOC 2 audits, which serve different purposes and are required by various customers and their auditors,” commented Paul Keinath, vice president and CFO at DataCenter.BZ. “With the retirement of SAS 70 last year, many customers including publicly-traded entities require a SOC 1 (SSAE 16) audit as part of their own audit process. At the same time, SOC 2 audits, which incorporate a predefined and standardized set of detailed control criteria expected of service organizations, benefit customers by providing detailed information on controls and auditor testing.”

The Type 2 audits were conducted by Crowe Horwath LLP, a full service accounting firm with expertise with data center and other mission-critical service providers. To request a copy of DataCenter.BZ’s SOC 1 (SSAE 16) Type 2 audit or SOC 2 Type 2 audit, please contact your DataCenter.BZ customer account representative or sales@datacenter.bz.